Membership is more than publications, presentations, and awards...
Written by Dr. Hosung So, President & CEO of IOHSK and Professor at California State University, San Bernardino, USA
Psychology has long reminded us that growth does not happen through achievement alone. The well-known Harlow monkey experiments, although controversial and ethically troubling, showed how deeply living beings need comfort, connection, care, and emotional security. The lesson is powerful: performance cannot be separated from belonging.
This idea can also be applied to professional and academic organizations. A meaningful organization should not value its members only by publications, presentations, external awards, titles, or visible achievements. While academic accomplishments are important, they should never be the only measure of a member’s worth.
True membership means creating a community where people feel supported, recognized, encouraged, and cared for. It means celebrating not only those who publish the most or receive the most awards, but also those who serve quietly, mentor others, volunteer their time, support colleagues, and help build a positive culture.
An organization becomes stronger when its members feel emotionally connected and valued as people first. Publications and presentations may represent professional success, but kindness, service, loyalty, encouragement, and care represent the heart of a meaningful organization.
For IOHSK, membership is not only about what members achieve externally. It is also about how we support one another, grow together, and create a community where every member feels seen, respected, and appreciated.
