To help us further explain the Performance Technology Landscape are two key concepts: performance and 

human performance technology.

What Is Performance?

While many of us might think of performance as simply an activity on the Performance Technology

Landscape, seasoned performance improvement professionals add a critical component; a result

(Addison & Haig, 2006, p. 38). So, performance = activity + result, as in reading a blueprint, activity, 

and following it to build a house, result . We further stipulate that the result must be of value.

In this example, building a house provides a family with shelter. The value is in the importance of the 

house to all stakeholders: the resident family, guests, neighbors, builder, architect, property tax collector, etc. Performance can be further defi ned as “ those valued results produced by people working within a system ” 

(ISPI, 2004, p. 9).

What Is Performance Technology?

We define a technology as a set of empirical and scientific principles and their application;

applied knowledge, and science. Performance technology (PT) is a technology that includes all

of the variables that affect human performance. We use PT in the workplace to identify the factors

that enable workers to perform their jobs and produce desired results. PT provides tools and

processes to identify opportunities for improved performance, valued solutions, and return on

investment, as well as the building blocks to construct new performance environments and systems.

In brief, HPT:

1. Focuses on valuable, measured results;

2. Considers the larger system context of people’s performance;

3. Provides measurement tools that can be used repeatedly and will consistently show the same

outcome; and

4. Describes programs and solutions clearly enough to be duplicated by others.

(ISPI, 2004, p. 4)

We frequently find our clients confused by the term technology because they think of it as machinery, 

or equipment, or automated systems. It is helpful to explain technology as the dictionary does, 

“The application of knowledge especially in a particular area” (Merriam-Webster, 2003).

Interpreting the Performance Improvement Terrain

The PT Landscape functions as scaffolding for performance technologists, providing a base 

from which to view the ways we can build improved human performance and increase value 

to the client organization.

A closer look at the PT Landscape calls out four critical components of effective results: Principles

of Performance Technology, Work Environment, System Viewpoint, and Systematic Approach.

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