Human Competence: Engineering Human Performance

by Thomas F. Gilbert

Human Competence offers an original theory of engineering human performance, coupled with a detailed plan of action based on provided applications. Grounded on remarkable principles, sound applications, and educational practice, this classic book:
explains how to identify people who have the potential to be exemplary performers. details various economic models for reducing expenses, increasing productivity, and improving learning, with special worksheets that help put these models to work. shows how to diagnose causes of performance failure and how to tailor the best remedies to each problem. describes a general procedure for measuring any performance and for translating these measures into economic opportunity. shows how to design training and educational systems that bring the best results.

Genres: Business

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1978

About the author

Thomas F. Gilbert was a psychologist and the founder of the field now known as Human Performance Technology (HPT). He coined the term "performance engineering".

Dr. Gilbert's work has created much of the organizing framework upon which the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) is based. The ISPI awards the Thomas F. Gilbert Distinguished Professional Achievement Award named in his honor.

Dr. Gilbert received his BA and MA degrees at the University of South Carolina and his PhD in psychology from the University of Tennessee. He spent a year on a post-doctoral sabbatical working with behavioral psychology B.F. Skinner at Harvard University.

Reviews

[Florence Dambricourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept and a very scientific approach to measuring performance, with a very human intention. The book feels a bit outdated with many cases studies from 1970 and around. At the same time fun to learn about activities which happens at that time, like the PLATO system. The kind of book to know as a reference, and to eventually go back to specific chapter to challenge our thinking/approach. Could see a link with Lean Six Sigma as well. I guess will keep in mind the very human intention behind the model.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for class about Human Performance Technology for degree program Instructional Design and Technology. Where Gilbert sets out the Leisurely Theorems and Behavior Engineering Model.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book which offers a slightly new approach on how to engineer (or inspire) performance in your employees or organization. The examples presented from real businesses are GREAT and illustrate the principles. The examples in the first third of the book are well worth the read, and they may change the way in which you view success.

If you are someone who hopes to help others feel good about their work, or someone who needs to step up their company's performance; then this is a book that may give you that positive nudge in the right direction.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m officially a Gilbert fan girl. Over the course of two chapters he manages to solve illiteracy, education, the economy, and the American political climate. If they had made Gilbert president back in the 70s, we would be living in a utopia with four-hour work days and retirement at 50, due to our insane efficiency and re-engineered social structure. Man was a genius.

[Matt Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book from my college days. I still enjoy it. enough to buy it again, as my original copy got wet in the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

[Beth McGoldrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book even after all these years. Good to go back and read the classics, the key texts of our profession.

[Kenisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theoretically sound foundation of Human Performance Improvement