Crossing the macro-micro divide in systems ergonomics

This paper attempts to further explore the concept of mesoergonomics and the implications this has for the use of the systems approach within ergonomics. The concept has been applied within the field of organisational behaviour to understand a wide variety of complex work contexts and the interaction between individual, group and organisational levels of analysis. More recently, researchers in human factors and ergonomics have similarly argued that there is a need for holistic, integrated accounts of the relationship between macro- and micro- system levels (Karsh, 2003). In order to go some way toward achieving this, we outline two case studies drawn from health care (infection control, electronic medical records) and analyze these using mesoergonomic constructs. The case studies are used to outline a set of steps towards a more general framework for mesoergonomic research

Manager–computer interaction: a study of a task–tool relationship

Computer systems are playing an increasing role in management. This thesis presents three related field investigations of the benefits and problems of manager–computer interaction. An initial literature search shows that computers have considerable potential in the management process but that this potential is rarely realised. The first field investigation was an interview study of 82 managers who used three different kinds of systems; batch processed standard output systems, data base systems with interrogative facilities and management modelling systems. The results showed serious mis-matches between user task needs and the provisions of the system ('task fit' problems) especially for standard output systems. The more interactive systems had the potential to overcome 'task fit' problems but created 'ease of use' problems for the managers because of the more complex facilities they had to know and to operate. [Continues.