HUMAN FACTOR

Cognitive Human factors & Development of an Efficient, Safe and Rewarding Workplace

Cognitive Human factors & Development of an Efficient, Safe and Rewarding Workplace

Introduction

In today's world of rapid advancements and technology; everyone realizes the importance of understanding the basic cognitive features in humans and how they affect their work environment. However, there seems to be a growing debate among experts on how these human factors influence a person's professional life. It is believed that these cognitive factors could be associated to the general individual differences, personality variables and differing attitudes among people (Gurtman et. al, 2005, pp. 256).

Similarly, the work conditions, personalities, or a combination of these influences is believed to help in the development of a safer and more effective work environment. The topic has many serious implications; in order to thoroughly understand the phenomenon of human factors and their influence on workplace; the cognitive make up of humans needs to be carefully understood (Hacker, 1988, pp. 87). Also, the different variables that contribute to workplace stress, organizational practices need to be understood as well.

Most companies in today's globalized world; regard their human resources as their key assets. Corporations acknowledge their workforce and tend to allocate adequate funds for research in order to maximize their productivity and to improve their performance (Oldham, 1980, pp. 4). Human beings are quite flexible and adaptable. Hence, it makes them quite unique and valuable in a wide variety of situations. Despite the vast amount of research conducted on improving work performance. The influence of human factors and their relationship to performance at work has not been given much importance. The human resource of any organization is vital to the success of the company in the long run. Understanding the human psyche and cognition, allows managers and executives to better use their workforce and benefit both the employee and the company (Jex, 1998, pp. 11).

Discussion

Cognitive / Human Factors

Cognition refers to a broad array of “mental processes, perceptions, memory, attention, problem solving, learning and decision-making abilities (Eysenck, 1990, pp. 11). Under the cognitive paradigm in workplace psychology, the various human factors such as perception, memory and stress play a vital role. The cognitive factors are quite diverse and vary from person to person. Every human being has a different set of values, traditions and norms. Hence, it makes it even difficult for psychologists to identify the usage of cognitive factors and their influence on the person's work (Johnston, 2001, pp. 408). Different theories have been put forward by psychologists i.e. Jean Piaget, Erick Ericsson, on the cognitive development of humans.

Personal Variables

The various mental processes considered to be cognitive functions are heavily influenced by personal variables. The study of behaviour has been divided into two distinct categories i.e. cognitive (how we perceive the world) and affective (how humans understand the world around us based on their perceptions and emotions) (Diener, 1999, pp. 276).

The description of human factors is not confined and applies to other related cognitive processes such as concept formation, ...