Performance Improvement Pathfinders: Models for
Organizational Learning Systems offers an excellent overview of models for
organizational intellectual development.
A number of industry experts and doctors have come together to create
this fundamental book that every aspiring manager should read. Topics include the importance of performance
improvement, human performance models, language, and performance management.
Managers and business leaders will find important information in this work as
they seek to raise the performance and profit margins of their organizations.
Readers will be brought through important concepts such as
the early work of B.F. Skinner and Susan Markle, the concept of behavioral engineering,
five principles of employee performance, management revolution, performance
improvement models, environmental factors, assessment, language and workplace
interventions. As you can tell from the general concepts covered the book
provides a strong overview of basic organizational development theories every
manager should have a grasp of before trying to encourage employees to higher
levels of performance.
For example, you may be interested in the concept of
behavioral engineering and how it works within organizations. Behavioral
engineering can be seen as the search for problems that reduce the ability of
humans to use technology within the workplace and redesigning processes that
keep human limitations in mind. Dr. Thomas Gilbert developed one of the first
behavioral engineering models in the 1960’s that included influences on
performance such as information, resources, incentives, knowledge, capacity,
and motives.
The book also discusses the importance of language in
building and defining strong workplaces. Dr. Danny Langdon developed a
methodology for understanding common language at work. He defined these key
elements as defined words, syntax, message and medium. The very premise of all
culture is the subtle meanings and definitions embedded in organizational
language. Without this commonality it is difficult to develop strong cultures.
The book is well written using common language that most
managers can understand. It is an excellent book for seeing how multiple
theoretical works associate together in a way where they are most beneficial
and practical. An updated version would
be great for courses as it not only provides the theories that make up
organizational development but also examples of how they are applied. It has
plenty of resources for those who desire to seek out additional information. It maintains its relevance.
Dean, P. & Ripley, D. (1997). Performance Improvement Pathfinders: Models for Organizational Learning
Systems. DC; International Society for Performance Improvement ISBN: 0-9616690-9-8
Pages: 279
Cost: $90 New & $12 Used
