C093

Internal Standards

B13 Autonomy & Agency
Core LayerMML-2

Version v1.3.2

Definition

The degree to which a person follows internal “how it should be” criteria concerning quality, honesty, aesthetics, responsibility, even when unobserved.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Low internal standards: standards are flexible; corners are cut; principles depend on external monitoring.

High Pole

Standards are high and stable; the bar is held even without an audience.

Reference

A clear bar exists, but is lowered rationally when the cost becomes excessive.

Measure

Observed-vs.-unobserved quality gap (bar drift without monitoring).

Measuring Methods

• Compare outputs “public vs. private.”
• “No one will know” scenarios → quality/principle choice.
• Long-run reputation: stability of quality.

Empirical Anchor

Internal standards / personal standards perfectionism (Frost et al., 1990); ideal self-discrepancy (Higgins, 1987).

Notes

• Distinct from self-discipline (C092): discipline is regularity; standards are the bar/criteria.
• Risks at MIN: quality erosion.
• Risks at MAX: self-criticism, burnout.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Internal Standards (HES Passport C093, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C093

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C093, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Internal Standards}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C093, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C093}} }