Human Performance Technology

Organizations continually seek ways to enhance efficiency and productivity. Human performance technology (HPT) is leading the way in driving success. Human performance is not merely about individual efficiency or productivity; it encompasses a broader spectrum that integrates personal growth, organizational development, and societal impact. Therefore, before we move forward, we must examine human performance, as it provides a roadmap for which techniques and processes to adopt and which to discard. Human performance enables organizations to focus on creating an environment in which every individual and process contributes positively to achieving organizational goals. This holistic approach ensures that performance improvement becomes a sustainable and continuous business practice.

A person analyzing sata sets

What is HRT?

Systemic process that links organizational and business goals and strategies with the workforce responsible for achieving these goals.

-Van Tiem et al., 2012

People

The foundation of any organization's success lies in its people. Improving human performance begins with enhancing individual skills and competencies. According to a World Economic Forum study, two-fifths (39%) of workers’ existing skill sets will become outdated or be transformed between 2025 and 2030 (pg. 6).

Processes

Efficient processes are the backbone of high-performing organizations. Streamlining operations not only reduces waste but also enhances productivity by eliminating redundant work and optimizing resource allocation. According to McKinsey & Company, companies that streamline their processes, such as introducing AI, can improve productivity by up to 30% (2023).

Performance

Performance measurement is a critical component of human performance. By assessing results against established goals, organizations can identify areas for improvement and implement changes to optimize outcomes.

Organizations

A strong organizational culture that aligns with its strategic goals is essential for sustained success. Employees and teams that have a strong alignment with their company culture consistently outperform on internal performance metrics over those that are least aligned (Gallup, 2025).

Society

Human performance extends beyond organizational boundaries to the larger society. Organizations have a responsibility to contribute positively to their communities and the environment. As Roger Kaufman famously stated, "If we are not contributing to society, we are taking away from it."

In Summary

Human performance is a comprehensive approach that intertwines individual development with organizational and societal advancement. By focusing on improving people, processes, performance, organizations, and society, businesses can achieve sustainable success. As we move forward in an ever-evolving world, the systemic enhancement of human performance will continue to be a critical determinant of prosperity and progress. By continuously learning, optimizing processes, aligning strategies, and contributing to society, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and build a thriving future for all.

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Articles related to human performance

What is the HPT Model?

Human Performance Technology (HPT), also known as Human Performance Improvement (HPI), is the application of evidence-based practices to diagnose and improve workplace performance. The HPT Model is a responsive, adaptable, and accountable tool that helps ensure that organizational change is both systematic and systemic and can be sustained over the long term. Change management is integral to the process and is included at every stage of the model. To maximize results, it is best not to skip any steps in the model. When examining the simplified HPT Model, note that evaluation is continuous throughout the change process. Although organizations often evaluate change before implementation, this crucial step is frequently overlooked once the intervention is in place. In fact, only slightly more than 50 percent of organizations evaluate participants' behavioral changes and organizational outcomes post-implementation (Pulichino, 2007, as cited in Chyung, 2019, p. 7). Following the HPT Model, both linear and cyclic approaches lead to a thorough diagnosis of the business need or opportunity. The HPT Model was initially designed by William Deterline and Marc Rosenberg in 1992 and updated by Darlene M. Van Tiem, CPT, PhD., James L. Moseley, CPT, EdD, and Joan Conway Dessinger, CPT, EdD in 2004 and again in 2012 (VanTiem, Moseley, & Dessinger, 2012, pp. 10 & 12). Below is a simplified version of the HPT Model that we will expand upon in this text.

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References

Gallup (2025). What is organizational culture? And why does it matter? https://www.gallup.com/workplace/327371/how-to-build-better-company-culture.aspx#:~:text=A%20Connection%20to%20Culture%20Drives,4%20columns%20and%201%20rows

 

McKinsey&Company (2023). Unleashing developer productivity with generative AI. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/unleashing-developer-productivity-with-generative-ai

 

Van Tiem, Darlene; Moseley, James L.; Dessinger, Joan C. (2012) Fundamentals of performance improvement: Optimizing results through people, process, and organizations (3rd ed.). Pfeiffer. Kindle Edition.

 

World Economic Forum (2025). Future of jobs report 2025. https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf