Human Competence: Engineering Worthy Performance (ISPI Tribute Edition) [Hardcover]

T. Gilbert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1996

Human Competence offers an original theory of engineering human performance, coupled with a detailed plan of action based on provided applications. Grounded on remarkable principles, sound applications, and educational practice, this classic book:

• explains how to identify people who have the potential to be exemplary performers.
• details various economic models for reducing expenses, increasing productivity, and improving learning, with special worksheets that help put these models to work.
• shows how to diagnose causes of performance failure and how to tailor the best remedies to each problem.
• describes a general procedure for measuring any performance and for translating these measures into economic opportunity.
• shows how to design training and educational systems that bring the best results.
  

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Human Competence is a must read for anyone wishing to become a true performance improvement professional." by Peter Dean -- International Society for Performance Improvement www.ispi.org

Human Competence stands out not just as a tribute to Dr. Gilbert's genius, but also as the best single source of ideas about Performance Technology. It is a must-have for anyone serious about changing the performance of individuals or organizations. -- Dick Lincoln, Centers for Disease Control

Review

"Human Competence stands not only as a tribute to Tom's genius, but also as the best single source of ideas about performance technology. It is a 'must have' for anyone serious about changing the performance of individuals or organizations."
—Dick Lincoln, Centers for Disease Control

"Human Competence is the crowning achievement of a most remarkable man. But more than that, it is the performance technologist's foundation. Read it with zest, but read it with the intent of learning as much as you possibly can."
—Odin Westgaard, Hale Associates

"Tom's work has given me the framework to help others in a powerful way—it is a big part of my message of respecting and valuing people at work."
—Elizabeth Guman, Performance Insights

"Human Competence is a must read for anyone wishing to become a true performance improvement professional."
—Peter Dean, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

"Among the ideas bulging from this classic work: performance exemplars, potential for improving performance, behavior-accomplishment distinction, performance matrix, ACORN troubleshooting test, performance audits, states, Worth = Value - Cost, knowledge maps, mediators, and job aids. The great accomplishments he left behind will continue to profit behavior analysis and performance improvement for a long, long time."
—Ogden Lindsley, Behavior Research Company

"Human Competence is probably the most borrowed and least returned book in my library. It's good to have it in print once more, so that I can keep replacing it, and rereading it for new insights from the original master of HPT."
—Rob Foshay, TRO Learning, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 380 pages
• Publisher: Pfeiffer; 1 edition (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961669012
• ISBN-13: 978-0961669010
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,328,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leisure, July 25, 2001

By 

James A. McClure (San Francisco Bay Area, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Human Competence: Engineering Worthy Performance (ISPI Tribute Edition) (Hardcover)

This unique perspective on human behavior provides a powerful and enjoyable set of tools to influence key issues at work. Thomas Gilbert provides a look at people that is based on empirical observations and the occurrence of functional relationships between our work behavior and that of others. It also takes into consideration the ecological variable effecting the execution of a business model and operationl.

He argues that competency is not a measure of knowledge, hardward, or dedication, it is a measure of worthy performance. Results that faciliate the acquisition of leisure or opportunity to pursue more meaningful or worthwhile activites are the best measure of competency.

This book will help any person at work who whats to succeed. It provides a perspective that will allow that person to improve their own an others performance at work. It will help any open minded person demonstrate their own competency.

It is excellent and profound.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, changed my perspective on training, January 14, 2009

By 

Chris Mcqueen "Instructor by Design" (Okemos, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Human Competence: Engineering Worthy Performance (ISPI Tribute Edition) (Hardcover)

Really enjoyed it. For me, the concept of Human Performance Technology really clicked. I would suggest it to any trainer, instructional designer, or manager.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent revision!, May 8, 2009

By 

G. J. Vrazo "fixedgear" (Metro Detroit, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Human Competence: Engineering Worthy Performance (Essential Knowledge Resource) (Hardcover)

Excellent revision / update. The preface by Marilyn Gilbert and all the tributes make this an important and engaging read for everyone in the field (performance improvement & training). I would never get rid of my dog-earred original (1978) but I'm glad I made this purchase!