It Takes More than Technical Knowledge to be an Effective Human Factors Professional

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a study which examined behaviors which can be used to describe effective Human Factors Professionals. The study showed that there is more to being an effective HFP than just technical knowledge. We identified specific behavioral patterns that do not reflect technical knowledge but that do seem to underlie HFP effectiveness and ineffectiveness. Our results also show that besides technical knowledge, the personality traits of conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience may also be important for HFP effectiveness because they are likely to dispose HFPs to behave in ways that result in more effective and successful interactions with clients and product teams. Using this data we plan to develop training programs to help HFPs interact with their product teams more effectively and to create selection instruments that can identify HFP applicants who have the personality characteristics that lead to effectiveness.

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