A model for describing performance and productivity is presented as an equation in which Performance (P) is equal to the product of basic skills or ability (A) and motivation or drive (D), plus an oscillatory factor (O) which consists of five variables: selection, supervision, communication, training, and environment. Emphasis is placed on the multiplicative function of ability and drive and explains how highly motivated persons of average ability can exhibit better performance than individuals with the same ability who are poorly motivated. Implications for the human factors community, as it relates to the oscillatory factors, are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Engineer's Joint Council and the National Committee on Productivity and Work Quality, (1975); Proceedings: Conference on Productivity through Engineering. Engineer's Joint Counsel, 345 E. 47th Street, New York, N.Y.
2.
HullC. L., (1943); Principles of Behavior.New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
3.
VitelesM. S., (1932); Industrial Psychology.New York: W. W. Norton and Company.
