The Behavioral Profile of Harvester Operators

Abstract

This study aims to characterize the behavioral profile of harvester operators, with the goal of assisting forest managers in selecting and training new teams of employees. A forest company located in central-western Brazil was examined from a sample of 20 harvester operators that did not have experience carrying out the functions of their industry. A behavioral profile evaluation tool was used, consisting of a management system that creates a profile based on behavioral competencies; it was initially used to develop a profile of a high-performing harvester operator; or rather, a reference profile. Next, the behavioral profile of the operators were grouped into distinct classes and compared with the reference profile to identify traits that could positively or negatively affect an operators' performance. An optimal profile had the following qualities: attentive to details, meets deadlines and follows rules, technically-oriented, patient with repetitive tasks, the ability to avoid conflicts, and being an introvert. An improper profile included aspects such as aggressiveness, being argumentative, being persuasive, explosive, and tense at work. The behavioral profile evaluation tool can support the process of choosing forest machine operators; however, it is important to also consider skills and work experience.

Bimanual Motor Skill in Recruitment of Forest Harvest Machine Operators

“…According to Pagnussat and Lopes (2017), and Pürfurst (2010), the greatest challenge for the implementation of new technologies in the area of wood harvesting is the shortage of qualified professionals to operate and maintain the highly complex and technical machines. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency and productivity of forest operations, it is crucial to select operators with good training, motor skills, as well as their personality combined with their individual capacities (Harstela 2004, Volodina et al 2015.…”

Effect of Age and Education Level on Operator’s Perfomance With Harvester Virtual Reality Simulator

“…Lapointe and Robert (2000) indicate that the systematic and planned training of operators is the most important issue since the introduction of the high technological machines. Considering this incorporation of measures, which aims at the adaptation and technological evolution of machines and the improvement of labor standards in forestry, Pagnussat and Lopes (2017) state that some of the reasons for the increasing importance of training are the intensifying competition, technological changes and pursuit for productivity gains that increase the qualification requirements of the operator. Therefore, training aims to improve the professional development of human being on the performance of their duties, as well as to develop and improve skills and knowledge of employees on organizations.…”