Handbook of Human Performance Technology: Principles, Practices, and Potential, 3rd Edition

Editor: James A. Pershing
Publisher: Wiley, 2006
ISBN: 0-7879-6530-8

Reviewed by Terrance Malkinson

This fifty-five chapter, 1,363-page, third edition defines the rapidly growing and vibrant field of Human Performance Technology (HPT). Human Performance Technology is a systematic approach for improving individual and organizational performance. Today, HPT is a distinct specialty with its own professional societies, publications, programs and certification structure. HPT is a rigorous means for improving human performance so essential for success in todays organization.

The book's information is divided into seven sections:

• Foundations of Human Performance Technology information on the practice of HPT and its academic attributes; foundations that support the practice, and an overview of the origins and history of the field.

• The Performance Technology Process discusses the main features of HPT practice; strategic alignment, analysis, design, change and evaluation.

• Interventions at the Worker and Work Team Levels focuses on the importance of instructional interventions; mentoring, motivation, behavior in organiztions, group performance and performance support systems.

• Interventions at the Workplace and Organizational Levels focuses on interventions at the worksite; organizational development, learning organizations, knowledge management, communities of practice, workplace design, Six Sigma, and lean manufacturing.

• Performance Measurement and Assessment collecting and analyzing data; quantitative and qualitative methods, collecting HPT data, quantitative data analysis, and evidence-based practice in HPT.

• Performance Technology in Action insights on practices for implementing performance improvement technology; transforming to a performance function, partnering with management, project management leadership, consulting, and ethics.

• Looking Forward in Human Performance Technology envisions how HPT may change and adapt in the future; alternative ways to think about and do HPT, emerging ideas and challenges to meet the needs of the future.

The editor, editorial advisory board and chapter authors are all global leaders in the field of performance improvement. This book provides classic and new information on both the theory and diversified experienced practical application of this emerging field. It is an important desktop resource that will help you leverage an organization's most important asset its people.

 

E-mail this page to a friend Tell us what you thought of this article