Future directions in macroergonomics

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The origin and initial development of macroergonomics as a formal area of research and practice is reviewed, including initial methodologies and applications. Macroergonomics is defined. The synergistic nature of systems and the potential of macroergonomics for effecting 60% or greater improvements in various organizational effectiveness criteria are described. Macroergonomic interventions that have achieved these kinds of results are cited as initial validation of the synergism hypothesis. Future directions in macroergonomics are postulated, including the empirical basis or rationale for each. Included are macroergonomics as a change agent function, total quality management (TQM) strategy, human-centred work system design approach, and preventive occupational health methodology. Macroergonomics is seen as being in a period of rapid development and expansion.