Human performance improvement should begin with business analysis because performance problems need to be understood in relation to the organization's goals and desired results. The TD professional first determines what the business is trying to accomplish, which results are important, and how current performance affects those outcomes.
Only after establishing this strategic context should the practitioner move into more detailed performance analysis. Performance analysis compares desired performance with actual performance. Cause analysis then investigates why the gap exists, including factors such as knowledge, skills, resources, processes, incentives, feedback, or environmental barriers.
Starting directly with individual performance or training needs can lead to a solution that improves employee activity without improving the organizational result that actually matters. Business analysis prevents that error by establishing the relevant outcomes first.
Performance improvement is therefore results-driven rather than course-driven. The business requirement defines the destination; subsequent analysis determines what human performance must change and what interventions are appropriate to achieve the desired organizational result.
Study Guide Topics: Performance Improvement; business analysis; human performance improvement; performance gaps; root-cause analysis.
======================
