Human Performance Technology (HPT)

HPT is a multi-disciplinary practice which has included as its' core behavioral psychology and systems theory. HPT has also been influenced, and remain in support of, a number of other cognate disciplines such as economics, education, organization development (OD), management sciences, human resource development (HRD), training and development (T&D), cognitive psychology, etc...

Irlbeck (2002) analyzed the historical definitions of HPT and identified three recurring themes; 1) systems approach, 2) references to performance, and 3) a focus on individuals, groups, and organizations. HPT and the International Society of Performance Improvement (ISPI), the publication for HPT, "maintain reference to the human side of the equation by alluding to individuals, groups, and/or organizations" (p. 93).

Irlbeck, S. A. (2002). Human performance technology: An examination of definitions through dependent and independent variables. Performance Improvement Quarterly, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 84-95.

Human Performance Technology (HPT) is best defined as: "a systematic approach to improving productivity and competence, uses a set of methods and procedures - and a strategy for solving problems - for realizing opportunities related to the performance of people" (ispi.org, retrieved 10/23/2010).

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