This book presents solid, current research that forms the basis for ways to "engineer" maximum performance and ways to select products that reflect the best research and evaluation. The authors have drawn on "what is known" from only the most important research findings and solid evaluation studies. This research lays the foundation on which to build a solid framework for improving performance and organizational effectiveness and forms the basis for recommendations. A reference section provides the sources for those wishing to dig deeper into the research. A secondary aim of the book is to describe, "what is known to be unknown" about ways to enhance peoples work performance. This area marks the frontier of knowledge,a land of both risk and opportunity. There is risk because our knowledge in this area is incomplete or inadequately tested. Yet there is opportunity here to learn more and contribute to knowledge. As in the Old West of the American frontier, where the pioneers precede the mapmakers and engineers, practitioners in organizations must work daily with problems where the state of knowledge is incomplete. The book attempts to post signs at these performance improvement frontiers.
