Human Performance Technology

Human Performance Technology, also known as Performance Technology or HPT, is an area of Instructional technology that focuses specifically on corporate environments. According to the National Society for Performance and Instruction, HPT is "a set of methods and processes for solving problems - or realizing opportunities - related to the performance of people. It maybe applied to individuals, small groups, or large organizations (Rosenbery, 1990).

   * HPT Relies on practical experience
   * HPT draws from many research bases
   * HPT is the product of cybernetics, behavioral psychology, communications theory, information theory, systems theory, mamnagement science, and cognitive science.
   * HPT is not limited to any delivery system, population, or subject matter
   * HPT is impirical
   * HPT is evolving
   * HPT is not a theoretical foundation of its own. 

(adapted from Stolovitch, 1992)

So how is it done? Gilbert suggests the following steps when using a HPT method:

  1. Identify what the current system is accomplishing
  2. Identify what the system should be accomplishing
  3. Identify exemplary performance
  4. Measure exemplary performance
  5. Measure typical performance
  6. Compare the difference between the exemplary and typical performance)
  7. Evaluate the improvement that can be expected by improving from typical to exemplary performance. 

(adapted from Gilbert, 1978)

HP is considered a Systemic Approach.

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