Considering a Meso-Ergonomic Factor: Can Accountability Reduce Errors?

Abstract

Accountability is an ill-defined and underexplored concept in job design, particularly in highly proceduralized environments that must operate under both high throughput and high-security expectations. Using x-ray images from the Airport Scanner game, this paper investigates two mechanisms of accountability: an active condition, and a passive condition. Each group was shown a list of prohibited items, but different feedback was provided. The active group was asked to be vigilant for any possible threat, whereas the passive group was instructed to stick to the list. Data from 76 participants were collected. The active group took longer (+16%) to process fewer (-10%) x-ray images compared to the passive group. As a result, the active group accomplished fewer hits (-14%), but also fewer misses (-31%) compared to the other group. While the active group worked slower, they provided higher quality performance. We conclude that accountability mechanisms can reduce errors if applied appropriately.