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What are some best practices for implementing and sustaining a Human and Organizational Performance program?

Introduction:

Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) is a framework that focuses on improving safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency in the workplace by managing the interactions between humans and the systems in which they work. Implementing and sustaining a successful HOP program requires a systematic approach that involves all levels of the organization. In this white paper, we will explore some best practices for implementing and sustaining a HOP program. 

What are some best practices for implementing and sustaining a Human and Organizational Performance program?

Leadership Commitment

Strong leadership commitment is essential for implementing and sustaining a successful HOP program. Leaders must communicate a clear message that safety is a top priority and demonstrate a commitment to safety through their actions. As noted by Dr. Todd Conklin, a leading expert in HOP, “Leadership is critical to the success of a HOP program. When leaders make safety a priority, it sends a message to the workforce that safety is important.” 

Employee Involvement

Employee involvement is another critical component of a successful HOP program. Employees should be encouraged to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback on work processes and systems. By involving employees in the HOP process, organizations can tap into their knowledge and expertise to make targeted improvements. As noted by Dr. Erik Hollnagel, a leading expert in resilience engineering, “Involving employees in the HOP process is critical to creating a work environment that is safe, productive, and efficient.” 

System-Focused Approach

 A system-focused approach is essential for implementing and sustaining a successful HOP program. HOP should be viewed as an integral part of the organization’s overall strategy for achieving its business goals. As noted by Dr. Sidney Dekker, a leading expert in HOP, “HOP is about understanding how work is actually done, and improving work processes and systems to support safe and efficient performance.” 

Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is also essential for sustaining a successful HOP program. Organizations should constantly evaluate the effectiveness of their HOP program and make targeted improvements to work processes and systems. As noted by Dr. Ron Gantt, a leading expert in HOP, “HOP is about creating a work environment that is constantly evolving and improving. By adopting a continuous improvement approach, organizations can create a culture of excellence.” 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, implementing and sustaining a successful HOP program requires a systematic approach that involves strong leadership commitment, employee involvement, a system-focused approach, and a continuous improvement mindset. By adopting these best practices, organizations can create a work environment that is safe, productive, and efficient. 

As noted by Dr. Conklin, “HOP is not a program, it’s a way of thinking.” By adopting a HOP mindset, organizations can create a culture of safety and continuous improvement. 

As noted by Dr. Hollnagel, “The goal of HOP is to create a work environment that is resilient, adaptive, and efficient.” By involving employees in the HOP process, organizations can tap into their knowledge and expertise to create a work environment that is constantly evolving and improving. 

As noted by Dr. Dekker, “HOP recognizes that error is a natural part of work and that it can be managed by focusing on the system, rather than blaming individuals.” By adopting a system-focused approach to safety, organizations can create a work environment that encourages workers to take responsibility for safety, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve their work systems and processes. 

As noted by Dr. Gantt, “HOP is not a quick fix, it’s a long-term commitment to excellence.” By adopting a continuous improvement approach, organizations can create a culture of excellence that is sustained over the long-term.

References:

Conklin, T. (2018). Pre-Accident Investigations: An Introduction to Organizational Safety. CRC Press. 

Hollnagel, E. (2014). Safety-I and Safety-II: The Past and Future of Safety Management. Ashgate Publishing. 

Dekker, S. (2014). The Field Guide to Understanding ‘Human Error’. Ashgate Publishing. 

Gantt, R. (2019). The Practitioner’s Guide to Human and Organizational Performance: Improving Safety, Quality, and Performance in Healthcare. CRC Press. 

Probst, T. M., & Graso, M. (2016). Best practices in safety: Safety culture, worker engagement, and continuous improvement. In International Handbook of Occupational Safety and Health (pp. 291-306). Springer. 

Cooper, M. D. (2019). Improving safety performance through leadership commitment: The role of culture and climate. Journal of Safety Research, 68, 97-107. 

Hudson, P. T., & Reason, J. T. (2001). Managing maintenance error: a practical guide. Ashgate Publishing. 

Geller, E. S., & Roberts, S. E. (2017). Human and Organizational Performance (HOP): Advancing a New Safety Culture. Routledge. 

Salas, E., & Maurino, D. E. (2010). Human factors in aviation. Academic Press. 

Carayon, P. (2016). Human factors in patient safety as an innovation. Applied Ergonomics, 54, 117-125.