Program Development for the Workplace: Necessary Questions and Hidden Assumptions.

The author proposes that four basic questions be answered prior to the institution of any program of job improvement at the workplace, regardless of the problem or the solution involved. Each of the questions may help bring to light some hidden assumptions and, in doing so, may clarify the goals of program development. These questions are: (1) Whose goals are to be achieved by the program? (2) What problem is the program attempting to solve? (3) What assumptions are being made about the motivation and other personal characteristics of those workers involved in the program? (4) What goals are ignored by the program? The author discusses each question as it relates to the evaluation of job-related problems. (Author/PC)