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Change processes and ergonomic improvements in small and medium enterprises
Author(s) -
Karltun Johan
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing and service industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.408
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1520-6564
pISSN - 1090-8471
DOI - 10.1002/hfm.10055
Subject(s) - human factors and ergonomics , business , computer science , manufacturing engineering , operations management , process management , engineering , poison control , medicine , environmental health
This article deals with the question of how change processes can create ergonomic improvements in small‐ and medium‐sized industrial enterprises. Drawing on experiences from two described and analyzed case studies in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and from ISO 9000 implementation processes previously studied, a hypothetical change framework is suggested through a theory generating approach. It separates change into action‐driven change, which is an active experiential improvement process, and into vision‐driven change, which is of a visionary design character. The ability to bring about problem solving into action was important for the success of the change processes. Furthermore, the nature of different hampering mechanisms concerning ergonomic improvements is discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 14: 135–155, 2004.