Andrew S. Imada

Xerox Leadership through Quality: Merging Human Factors and Safety through Employee Participation

Organizations are addressing problems resulting from increasing international competition and complex technologies by implementing participative management techniques. Recent evidence suggests that participatory ergonomics can be an effective, cost-efficient method for solving a variety of production, human factors, and safety related problems. This paper presents an example of how participative management has been used effectively in introducing human factors, sociotechnical, and safety change in a large international organization. Case studies such as this one demonstrate how participation can reduce costs, training requirements, injuries, and absenteeism.

Social interaction, observation, and stereotypes as determinants of differentiation in peer ratings

Abstract The goal of this investigation was to discover the relationships among peer rating items under three rating information conditions. One hundred British managers made peer ratings based on social interaction, observation, and sterotype information. These data were factor analyzed (using both simultaneous and independent factor solutions) to assess differentiation in each condition. By several criteria, ratings based on interaction were different from ratings based on observation or ratings based on stereotypes. A second set of data was submitted to an independent factor analysis to validate the reported findings. The results of initial and validation data are similar, though not, of course, identical. Implications for future research and behavior-based ratings are discussed.

Cultural Perspectives in Participatory Ergonomics

This paper examines the generalizability of participatory ergonomics to different cultures. Studies using participatory strategies to introduce ergonomic solutions are reviewed across three distinct cultures. The results lead us to believe that these effects are sufficiently robust and not culture or method bound. Four lessons can be learned from these participatory interventions: 1) Interventions should build on local customs; 2) Solutions should be practical and understandable to the participating end-users; 3) Culture should be used as a resource for solving design and cross-cultural problems; and 4) Synergy between the culture and the intervention will enhance the success and magnify problems of the intervention.

Is Participatory Ergonomics Appropriate across Cultures? Trends and Future Criteria

This paper examines the concept of participatory ergonomics and its conceptual underpinnings. Available evidence on successful applications of participatory ergonomics are covered. These successful applications across cultures are necessary to establish that participatory ergonomics is a robust, culture-free method. Three areas of research are identified and suggested as future criteria for evaluating future participatory ergonomic interventions. These criteria will create systematic evaluations of both individual and organizational systems.

Macroergonomics Past, Present, and Future A Tribute to the Late Dr. Hal Hendrick and to the Field of Macroergonomics

This panel will be presented by the foremost authorities in the field of Macroergonomics as a tribute to the late Dr. Hal Hendrick. During the presentations and discussion, the panelists may choose to share their fond memories of Hal, while also focusing on the field of Macroergonomics, as Hal, the father of the discipline, would have wanted. Panelists will review the history of the development of the specialty, describe the inherent concepts, discuss the current state-of-the art, and project areas of future application and research. The diverse application areas will include methodologies for examining optimal work systems, participatory ergonomics, community and health systems, and solving specific work-related issues. The panel format will encourage audience-panelist interaction, allowing for a questions and answer session at the conclusion of the panel, as well as an opportunity for all of those involved in the field to share their unique experiences and insights. It is the aim of the panel to not only reflect upon the past, but look to the future of the field of Macroergonomics.

Contemporary Issues for Macroergonomics

This article illustrates the potential contribution of macroergonomics by: 1) identifying four contemporary issues that organizations face and 2) demonstrating how a macroergonomic approach can help. These issues represent four levels of analysis — individual, job design, organizational, and environmental. In addition to demonstrating its utility, the illustration is intended to generate action toward meeting these challenges.

Designing for Users with Users

Our topic of discussion for this panel is the application of participatory ergonomics within a macroergonomics or systems framework. The overarching theme of applying the concepts of participatory ergonomics and ensuing examples are given within different environmental settings. The panelists will present specific case studies of how they used participatory ergonomics to address organizational and environmental issues to provide strategic ergonomic and environmental solutions.

Recycling “Ergonomic” Tools for “Macroergonomic” Use:

The field of macroergonomics has received ever-increasing interest in both of the field of Human Factors, since it was first identified as a “field” some 5 years ago and named. Often colleagues (from Human Factors and from outside the field) ask “But what do you actually do?” along with “But is that Human Factors?” This panel will discuss some of the tools which macroergonomists actually use, and show how they are, in many cases, common to the profession but used in a more holistic fashion. We hope this will lead to a better understanding of alternative uses for common tools and will encourage creative approaches to expansion and enhancements.

Putting it in Perspective: Different Disciplines' Approaches to Managing Technologically-Stimuated Change

Sociotechnical systems (STS). Macroergonomics. Behavioral Science. Participatory Ergonomics. Computer science. Organizational Development (OD). Sociotechnical systems (STS). These are several of the disciplines which are participating in todays business and information systems environment to manage the organizational changes that the design and implementation of new technology brings with it. Five years ago, the major issue was “How do we get managers to be aware that technology brings with it organizational changes which need to be proactively planned for and managed?” But today, as more and more managers are aware of this, the major issue has shifted to “How do we actually plan and manage these changes?” The purpose of this panel is to discuss how different disciplines answer this question. The panelists each represent a different approach and will discuss briefly the philosophical roots of their discipline, and then discuss more fully the typical approaches and tools which they would use to help managers address these issues. We will then discuss differences and similarities, drawing from the audiences experiences where possible, in an attempt to understand ways we can learn from each other.

Macroergonomics: Integrating Human Factors and Organizational Behavior Approaches to Organizational Design and Management

This symposium proposes macroergonomics as a vehicle for integrating human and organizational needs. The concept is defined and differentiated from more traditional studies in organizational behavior and human factors. Specific areas of focus include: conceptuation and differentiation of the unique contributions of macroergonomics; current practices and directions; integration of human and organizational data; and contemporary issues and concerns facing researchers and writers in the field.