Macroegonomics: work system analysis and design.
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to briefly describe how macroergonomics was developed to fill a void in human factors and ergonomics.


BACKGROUND
A study commissioned by the Human Factors Society in 1978 resulted in the formalization of a new subdiscipline of human factors, called organizational design and management, which eventually was coined macroergonomics.


METHODS
Differentiators of macroergonomics are presented along with methods adapted from other domains as well as unique methods.


RESULTS
Based on laboratory and field studies conducted at multiple universities, government facilities, and industries, work system factors can be manipulated in the laboratory and studied in the field successfully. Also, case studies in academia, industry, and government demonstrate 60% to 90% performance impact and positive qualitative changes such as culture change.


CONCLUSIONS
Macroergonomics offers a perspective as well as methods and tools for more successful human factors and ergonomics design, development, intervention, and implementation.


CONCLUSIONS
Human factors engineers or psychologists and ergonomists can use the perspective of macroergonomics to achieve better results or can expand their involvement of macroergonomics through the use of methods and tools.
Kleiner
Brian M
BM
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24601-0118, USA. bkleiner@vt.edu
D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D017132:Workplace