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A Control Theory View of Human Behavior & Performance

 

GAP ACT Model

To achieve a result, any result, we must act, we must change things.  To do that, we must control them, we must be able to alter them, so they are the way we want them. We are, then, “living control systems,” and control theory can tell us a great deal about human behavior and performance.

Shown above is the GAP-ACT Model, also known as The Target Model.  It is based on Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) as developed and articulated by the late William T. Powers (1926-2013).  It is worth mentioning that Powers himself approved of the GAP-ACT Model.  A succinct summary of PCT follows.

PCT asserts that people are purposeful, living control systems, whose behavior shapes its consequences instead of the other way around.  PCT is a feedback-governed view of human behavior.  It holds that we target certain variables for control; we compare our perceptions of the current state of those variables with our goal state or reference condition for those variables; and, if unacceptable gaps exist, we behave in ways that serve to close them.  Thus it is that our behavior serves to control our perceptions.  There are, however, other actors and factors at work that influence the same variables we are trying to control.  Ordinarily these “disturbances” as they are known in PCT are compensated for and pose no problem.  On occasion they can prove overwhelming.  Our control is far from perfect. 

The GAP-ACT Model is one of several models I've devised to illustrate how individual performance is controlled consistent with PCT.  The most recent is the Performance Control Model, which can be found in the Knowledge Workers' Tool Room.  See also the paper below titled "Performance Control Theory."

On the Performer side of the model shown above, we have Goals, Actions and Perceptions (GAP).  On the Situation side, we again have Actions, along with other Conditions that affect the Targets we seek to control, and the Targets themselves (ACT).

The GAP-ACT Model provides useful insights into human behavior and performance as well as ideas regarding ways to improve performance in the workplace.  It also provides ideas and insights regarding performance problems and their solutions.  The GAP-ACT Model has been proven in practice for more than 30 years.

IMPORTANT  NOTICE:  You are welcome to a single copy of anything on this web site for your personal use. However, none of the material on this site may be reproduced or further distributed or posted elsewhere without the payment of a modest fee.  Compensation for materials on this site rests on what I call an "Honor System" and the honor on which it rests is yours.  For more, see Honor System.

Fred Nickols is available to make presentations and conduct training related to The GAP-ACT Model.  He also provides consulting and coaching assistance in applying the model.  If you have any questions, you can use the Questions link at the bottom of this page to submit them to Fred.

The links below take you to papers about The GAP-ACT Model (a.k.a. The Target Model) and about PCT.

NOTE:  All the articles listed below are in PDF format

Links to Knowledge Worker Columns focused on PCT

Behavior Control Theory - Jul 2021

Analyzing Performance Problems: A Control Theory View - Nov 2020

Collective Control – Oct 2020

The Control of Human Performance – Mar 2020

The Performance Path - Feb 2020

When Control Systems Collide – Nov 2018

A Control Theory View of Goal Achievement – Oct 2018

The Heart of Achievement - Sep 2018

Performance Control Theory – Oct 2017

Putting the GAP-ACT Model to Work – Jul 2014

The GAP-ACT Model of Human Behavior and Performance – Jun 2014

The Self-Managed Employee as a Living Control System – Oct 2013

Links to Other PCT-Related Sites

International Association for Perceptual Control Theory (IAPCT)

Living Control Systems Publishing

Martin Taylor's PCT Site

Mind Readings: Rick Marken's PCT Site

Rupert Young's One-Pager on PCT

Tim Carey's "Method of Levels" (MOL) Web Site

University of Manchester PCT Site (U.K.)

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This page last updated on July 8, 2022