What is Performance Technology?
Technology is defined in a variety of ways. It is the practical application of knowledge in a particular area or a capability derived from that application. It is a manner of accomplishing a task, especially using technical processes. Finally, it is the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor, as in human performance technology.

Human performance technology (HPT) fits all those definitions. It contains specialized aspects of the human performance -or behavioral- field. It relies on the practical application of what we know about human behavior to increase people's ability to accomplish tasks. Simply stated, human performance technology is a systematic approach to looking at inputs, processes, and outputs to improve productivity and competance.

Human performance technology focuses on performance, rather than on one specific means for improving performance -like training. Although training and education are important, they are only part of the answer on how we might improve our competitive edge. Human performance technolgoy provides the rest of the answer by directing us toward the entire human resource system. Through a strategy for solving problems and a set of methods and procedures, HPT allows us to maximize opportunities related to people's performance.

To learn more about performance technology, see our Resources page