Macroergonomics

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IE 327 Introduction to Work Design Dr. Andris
Freivalds Class 28
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Scope of Human Factors Engineering

• Different levels of study and intervention
• Micro-level
• Physical design of tools,
• human-computer interface,
• physical environment
• Macro-level
• Organizational design,
• job design, change management

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What is Macroergonomics?

• also called sociotechnical, the study of the
  society/technology interface. The study of the
  consequences of technology for social
  relationships, processes, and institutions.
  (Computers and Society Glossary)
• the optimization of organizational and work
  systems design through consideration of relevant
  personnel, technological and environmental
  variables and their interactions. (H.W. Hendrick)

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Goal

• The goal of macroergonomics is a fully harmonized
  work system at both the macro- and
  micro-ergonomic level which results in improved
  productivity, job satisfaction, health and
  safety, and employee commitment.

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Balance Model

• All elements interact - any change in one will
  affect other elements
• If all elements are not designed to fit together,
  there may be a misfit
• Misfits lead to safety, productivity, efficiency,
  quality problems

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Possible Misfits

• Worker lacks skills/knowledge base
• Employees do not agree with management policies
• Technology is not well suited for the
  worker/task/organization
• Organization is harming the environment
• Outside factors influence work

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How can Macroergonomics Help?

• Analyze the whole system
• Determine the fit of each element
• Consider aspects other than just changing the job

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Tasks

• Properties
• Content
• Control
• Demands
• Interrelationships
• Tasks are usually changed to improve safety
  and/or production

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Lifting Case Study

• How do you convince workers to change?
• If you change this task, how does it change other
  tasks?

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Tools/Technology

• Properties
• Functions
• Capabilities
• Capacities
• Usability
• Friendliness
• Integration
• Many companies are introducing new technology

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CPOE Case Study

• Traditional paper and pencil industry
• How do you get everyone on-board?
• How do you ensure
• success?

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Organization

• Properties
• Purposes
• Policies
• Procedures
• Supervision
• Decision making structure
• Reward Structure
• Changes can have a ripple effect

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McWane

• What were the management policies?
• How did the workers feel about working there?

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Department of Homeland Security

• Where is their
• Organization? (hodge podge)
• Line of communications?
• What is their reputation?
• e.g. consider TSA (Transportation Security
  Administration)!
• e.g. consider the Katrina response!

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Environment

• Properties
• Physical
• Comfort
• Sensory and Performance disruption
• Social
• Interaction with coworkers/boss
• Social support
• Extra-organization factors
• Internal and external factors have an affect

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Gilbane Gold

• How does the environment affect the company?
• How does the company affect the environment?

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Sensory/Environmental Analysis Case Study

• How does the presence of these factors affect the
  worker/job?
• How can the system deal with these issues?

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Human

• Properties
• Background
• Attributes
• Experience
• Needs
• Skills
• Motivations
• Intelligence
• Most difficult element to change

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Four Main Areas of Concern

• Physiological factors
• Vision
• Height
• Weight
• Forward arm reach
• Strength
• Disabilities

• Psychological factors
• Attention
• Memory
• Fear
• Boredom
• Fatigue
• Satisfaction
• Stress

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• Psychosocial factors
• Workload
• Work content
• Repetition
• Boredom
• Role ambiguity
• Role conflict
• Mental demands
• Supervisor-employee relationship
• Social support at work and home/community

• Shift work
• Reward structure - pay, benefits, equity
• Status
• Behavioral factors
• Reaction time
• Response accuracy
• Appropriateness of response
• Adaptation
• Endurance

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Human Element

• Can you change the human?
• How do you motivate employees?
• How do you get employees to accept change?

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Maslows Hierarchy of Needs
Self Actualization
Esteem Needs
Social Needs
Safety Needs
Physiological Needs
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Macroergonomic Case Studies 1 Southwest Airlines
- Pros

• Culture based on the customers, employees, and
  shareholders
• Strong work ethic, but have fun
• Keep costs low
• High performance
• Hire for attitude not skills?

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Macroergonomic Case Studies 1 Southwest Airlines
- Cons

• Not completely nationwide
• No frills
• Ignore competition?
• Hire for attitude not skills?

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Macroergonomic Case Studies 2 Wal-Mart - Pros

• Innovative
• Employee participation
• Continuous training
• Adapt to the environment
• Community involvement

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Macroergonomic Case Studies 2 Wal-Mart - Cons

• No Union?
• Different philosophies at each store
• Worker treatment
• Bully vendors
• Public opinion

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Macroergonomics - Review

• Examines all aspects of the system
• A misfit in any area can lead to total failure
• Work to ensure harmony within every part of the
  system