Abstract
The study of human performance technology (HPT) is an applied science. Its goal is to improve human performance in organizations, using systemic (holistic, all-encompassing) and systematic (step-by-step, methodical) problem-solving approaches. Practitioners often accumulate knowledge and skills based on their own experiences; however, one's professional knowledge should also be grounded in the eclectic foundations of the field, including theories and research findings. Doing so can improve one's institution in sensing performance problems, enable inductive and deductive reasoning, and guide the generation of cost-effective solutions. This chapter was written with the goal of connecting HPT practices to their theoretical foundations. To help practitioners learn and apply appropriate theory to their practice, we introduce a hypothetical scenario about an HPT practitioner, Susan. As her story unfolds, possibilities for decision-making based on theories and research findings are illustrated.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace |
| Subtitle of host publication | Selecting and Implementing Performance Interventions |
| Editors | Ryan Watkins, Doug Leigh |
| Place of Publication | San Francisco, CA |
| Chapter | 2 |
| Pages | 27-50 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Volume | 2 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780470587102 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Fundamental principles of system theory stemming from general system theory (GST)
- Gilbert's second theorem - "the potential for improving performance (the PIP)"
- Linking practice and theory
- PROBE questions within BEM framework
- System thinking and strategic alignment
EGS Disciplines
- Instructional Media Design