Evidence is reviewed that the operating characteristics of
computer application systems, in addition to physical characteristics
of display units (CRTs), are the cause of many observed effects on
operator health and task effectiveness. These effects are
hypothesized to occur through changes in task structure, and the
man-machine redivision of labor that results when computer application
systems are introduced into work settings. First, the association
between task dimensions and models of operator performance
effectiveness and well-being are reviewed. Second, application system
design parameters that affect task structure are identified. Then,
empirical evidence supporting this three part causal linkage -
application system parameters to task characteristics to operator
effectiveness and health - is presented.
The findings suggest that by improving dialogue quality, taking
advantage of two way communication to reduce uncertainty, using
smaller and less integrated systems and matching system performance to
operator needs a job can be created that is likely to improve both
operator well-being and effectiveness.Information Systems Working Papers Serie