International
contributions
Founding and Early Vision
Human Factors AS was established in 1993 by Bjørn Z. Ekelund in Norway in collaboration with Human Factors UK. The business idea was to utilize psychological assessment tools at individual, team, and organizational levels. We imported and facilitated the importation and launch of various tools, including Cattell's 16PF5, BarOn's EQ-i, and West & Anderson's Team Climate Inventory.
Developing Proprietary Tools for Enhanced Team and Individual Performance
In 2003, we leveraged our experience with these tests to develop our own tools that made it possible to design our own research, development, and continuous improvement. In cooperation with Michael West we created Team Performance Inventory in 2003. This is a tool that maps team processes relevant for performance and innovation.
The Launch of the Diversity Icebreaker
At the same time we launched the Diversity Icebreaker which maps individual preferences for communication and interaction. This is a concept that competes with MBTI, DISC, TMP and similar tools in the market. But central in the Diversity Icebreaker is a pedagogical well designed seminar that beyond individual tests nurtures learning processes from sociology, pedagogics and linguistics. The participants co-create the meaning of the dimensions Red (People), Blue (Task) and Green (Change). Easy to use, easy to understand and no certification has been major reasons for this concept´s success.
Global Impact and Recent Advancements of the Diversity Icebreaker
The Diversity Icebreaker, has achieved significant success both in Norway and internationally. It has been used by more than 400 000 participants in more than 75 countries. The on-line version is available in 15 languages. In 2022 we launched a new feedback text named Premium which extends the learning for individuals beyond the seminar. The Premium also makes it possible to use the tools for individuals without the experiential learning process that takes place in the classical Diversity Icebreaker seminars.
Evolution and Digitalization of the Team Performance Inventory
The Team Performance Inventory we revised in 2005 and reduced the numbers of questions by using factor analysis in 2008. And, in 2024, we introduced a modern digital version named TeamReflect, which continues the core of scientific questions and factors, along with the capability to incorporate customized questions about objectives that can be used in repeated measures.
Promoting Norwegian Work Culture Internationally
We view our products as a positive extension of Norwegian work-life culture when used in other countries. Our international clients are often modern and proactive leaders and organizations with a strong focus on employees' abilities to solve problems without micromanagement.
Core Benefits and Philosophical Pillars of Human Factors AS Products
- A management philosophy emphasizing flat organizations, employeeship, TEAL-organizations.
- A leadership role/style with a strong coaching style, servant leadership, relational management, and inclusive, supportive leadership.
- Facilitation of effective team work, including how to lead teams and groups.
- Support for a diversity philosophy with DI and other targeted groups.
- A management philosophy that supports personal growth of employees