"PT takes a systems view of human performance, recognizing that it takes an aligned organization and its people to accomplish significant results" (Rossett, 1995).
PT ". . . uses the tools of technology and the objectivity of analysis, design
and evaluation procedures. It then links training, environmental redesign,
feedback systems or incentive systems to measure performance and build
credibility for the interventions that are applied (Stolovich and Keeps, 1992).
HP technologists focus on three "levels" of performance variables that
detemine the performance of organizations and individuals (Rummler & Brache, 1992):
"A perspective, or way of thinking about how individual and organizational
performance can be enhanced, that encompasses systems thinking applied to the widest array of human
resource activities" (Rosenberg, 1995).
Definition of PT: From the Pros
Definition of PT: From Students of PT
1. The science of improving human performance. (Kate Janac)
2. A holistic approach to helping business improve employee performance. (Carla Mann)
3. The study of why employees may not perform well on the job. It could be training, policies, or lack of supplies, so we look at what the desired performance is and what the actual performance is then figure out why there's a gap and what we can do to correct it. (Anonymous)
4. Performance Technology is about how people interact with others in their organization and look to data and processes to help improve performance. (Anonymous)
5. A scientific approach to evaluating and improving human performance with the objective of improving a company's performance. (Melanie Hall)
6. The science of improving performance in education and business through strategic and tactical interventions. (Chris Hall)
7. The application of a variety of solutions and interventions to organizational problems and opportunities. (Anonymous)
8. PT helps the organization identify problems that are hampering productivity, and then systematically identifies solutions and assists in their implementation. (Anonymous)
9. The study of how organizations operate, what makes them effective and how they can improve their performance. (Anonymous)
10. If you tell me your car was getting poor gas mileage, I could train you to be a better driver, but if the spark plugs are dirty and the tires are under inflated you still won't get the best mileage possible. PT doesn't assume that training is the only solution for an organization's problems either - we look at the whole system first then select the solutions targeted to better performance. (J. Henry)
11. PT is a discipline in which you observe and improve upon current organizational processes in order to increase the productivity of workers. (William Darling)
12. PT is figuring out the best way to solve problems by discovering all their causes (lack of knowledge, poor incentives, poorly designed jobs, misuse technology) and preparing possible solutions. (David Butler)
14. PT is a way to diagnose organizational problems - like a doctor diagnoses patients - and make recommendations to improve performance. (Kim Thoreen)
15. A performance technologists is like an "organizational doctor". If sick, diagnose and apply right mixture of cures. If well, prescribe diet for continued growth and well being. (Brad Johnson)
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