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'Power base' tactics for workplace change - an interview study with industrial engineers and ergonomists
Cecilia Berlin1, W Patrick Neumann2, Nancy Theberge3
1a Division of Production Systems, Department of Product and Production Development , Chalmers University of Technology , Gothenburg , Sweden.
Ergonomics
|July 19, 2016
Summary
Industrial engineers and ergonomists influence workplace changes using various power bases, excluding reward and coercion tactics. This study offers recommended tactics for change agents and an analytical lens for ergonomists.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Organizational Behavior
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Industrial engineers (IEs) and ergonomists are key drivers of workplace change.
- Understanding their influence tactics and power bases is crucial for effective change management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the work practices of IEs and ergonomists.
- To examine how these professionals gain influence over workplace changes.
- To identify prevailing power bases (PB) in their interaction tactics.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interview study with IEs and ergonomists.
- Identification of key behavioral strategies for influencing workplace changes.
- Mapping of these strategies to corresponding power bases.
Main Results:
- IEs and ergonomists successfully employ diverse tactics across the spectrum of power bases.
- Tactics related to Reward and Coercion power bases were notably absent.
- Reported successful behavioral tactics and their effects on stakeholder relations.
Conclusions:
- A range of power base tactics are effective for influencing workplace change.
- The 'power base analytical lens' can enhance critical thinking for aspiring ergonomists.
- Recommended tactics for workplace change agents are provided.
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