The mixed history of attribute functions leads to confusion

The mixed history of attribute functions leads to confusion over their role in our knowledge and activities. Some attributes – the management of people and money – have been around as long as the corporation itself. Other attributes have been added later as new concerns come into focus for social or regulatory reasons. These later additions almost always meet the same fate – an arduous and thankless journey from outright rejection, deferral and avoidance for as long as possible, minimisation, under-resourcing (people, budget, attention, authority) to eventual mainstreaming in some nevertheless-not-quite-as-important-ever form.

This history means we are extremely slow to learn the patterns and distinctive of attribute functions