Linking human factors to corporate strategy with cognitive mapping techniques

For human factors (HF) to avoid being considered of "side-car" status, it needs to be positioned within the organization in such a way that it affects business strategies and their implementation. Tools are needed to support this effort. This paper explores the feasibility of applying a te...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inWork (Reading, Mass.) Vol. 41 Suppl 1; p. 2776
Main Authors Village, Judy, Greig, Michael, Salustri, Filippo A, Neumann, W Patrick
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands 2012
Subjects
Ergonomics
Humans
Manufacturing Industry - methods
Manufacturing Industry - organization & administration
Operations Research
Organizational Innovation
Organizational Objectives
Organizational Policy
Planning Techniques
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Summary:For human factors (HF) to avoid being considered of "side-car" status, it needs to be positioned within the organization in such a way that it affects business strategies and their implementation. Tools are needed to support this effort. This paper explores the feasibility of applying a technique from operational research called cognitive mapping to link HF to corporate strategy. Using a single case study, a cognitive map is drawn to reveal the complex relationships between human factors and achieving an organization's strategic goals. Analysis of the map for central concepts and reinforcing loops enhances understanding that can lead to discrete initiatives to facilitate integration of HF. It is recommended that this technique be used with senior managers to understand the organizations` strategic goals and enhance understanding of the potential for HF to contribute to the strategic goals.
ISSN:1875-9270
DOI:10.3233/WOR-2012-0523-2776