Organizational Maintenance: Behavior Analysis and Intervention.
Abstract
Although the importance of preventive maintenance (PM) is widely acknowledged, there are few documented ways to improve the quality, regularity, and timeliness of maintenance. Most PM studies are not concerned with on-the-job practices; worker motivation is neglected; and there are not satisfactory measures of PM performance. One method which has been suggested as suitable for facilitating preventive maintenance is the behavior analysis approach. Based on the needs identified by Marine Corps personnel, a pilot program, based on the behavior analysis approach, was designed and implemented in a Fleet Marine Force Unit. The focus was on personnel (N=50) in the Ordnance and Motor Transport sections of a heavy artillery Battery at Camp Lejeune, NC. The Program was not only well received, but also initially effective in the Motor Transport section with all goals being exceeded by a substantial margin. However, the final results were mixed. Performance in Motor Transport declined back to preprogram levels. No improvements were ever obtained in Ordnance. The lackluster results of the program did not appear to be a function of the expertise, commitment, or competence of individual personnel. Instead, the PM Liberty Call Program, as it was designed and implemented, simply could not overcome the crisis management environment in which higher priority was placed on more visible, nonmaintenance commitments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086626
Entities
People
- Judi Komaki
- Robert L. Collins
Organizations
- Georgia Tech