system hypocrisy theory

ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS COURSE

Universal Applicability of Ergonomics (Introduction in System Hypocrisy Theory)

Medical School of AthensPostgraduate Programme in Occupational & Environmental Health

Peter J. Stavroulakis

Ergonomics

‘‘Ergonomics (or human factors) is concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.’’

(IEA Council, 2000)

Postgraduate Programme in Occupational & Environmental Health

Outputs of the systems

1. Overall system performance2. Human well-being

The above are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they are interdependent.


Systems’ Theory

Every entity can be traced back in systems’ theory fundamentals


How can we assure system functionality/success? The answer is a holistic and systemic

ergonomics approach


Why? Focus in conceptual and physical

interactions/infrastructure Organizational mission along with human

competencies factored in from the planning phase


Thesis: Ergonomics is not a scientific afterthought, but a systemic catalyst

rooted in effectiveness

Toni Ivergard, 1973

“...often as a result of hindsight, that social, human factors and environmental (SHE) considerations should be taken into account right from the start...”

“... the cost of foreseeing the problems in the design stage is between one fifth and one tenth of the cost of correcting mistakes afterwards.”

“... As in all complex systems...the various parts are rater-dependent in different ways. This is especially true in the relation between...work and home, and if these could be designed in an integrated fashion it may well be possible to alleviate some of the problems...”


Carol Slappendel, 1994

“...to emphasize ergonomics at the expense of other considerations, this may be interpreted by top managers as a lack of 'balance'.”

“Under particular conditions, ergonomics knowledge was transferred from the product development function and absorbed into other areas of the organization, such as marketing and operations.”

“As a result, ergonomics capability is more likely to develop in those organizations which actively pursue a goal of high quality.”


Per Langaa Jensen, 2001 “Most often working conditions are

introduced in the phases of implementation and operation (Skepper et al., 2000; Jensen, 2001).”

“... Normally there are, however, differences in interest, power and resources (knowledge, information and financial resources).”

“... opening for the use of human competencies and ensuring a healthy and socially interactive working environment (Charles et al., 1990).”


Jan Dul & W. Patrick Neumann, 2006 “... Thus, strategically speaking, attention to

ergonomics can be an important element of how a company realizes its competitive advantage...”

“Thus ergonomics...can help provide firms with a sustainable competitive advantage in the form of experienced, skilled employees who can perform their best for the company.”

The cost reductions are often larger for performance factors than from health and safety savings alone (Helander and Burri, 1995; Hendrick, 2003; Oxenburgh et al., 2004)


Systems’ Hypocrisy


Ergonomics considerations are not taken into account from the planning stage (or even after)

The directives are not feasible (not anthropocentric)

Systems’ Hypocrisy Theory


Ergonomics considerations


Are a crucial ingredient of systemic infrastructure

Have to be infused in all aspects of our operations

If taken into account we have nothing to fear, for we will be successful in learning how to be successful

Thank you for your attention!


system hypocrisy theory

Business

ergonomics ergonomics

ergonomics knowledge

ergonomics capability

human factors

human wellbeing

performance factors

complex systems

overall system performance