Abstract
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.
Highlights
In Brazil, wood harvesting mechanizations intensified in the 1990s with the importation of high-tech machinery into the domestic market (Parise, 2005; Lopes et al, 2010)
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
Summary
In Brazil, wood harvesting mechanizations intensified in the 1990s with the importation of high-tech machinery into the domestic market (Parise, 2005; Lopes et al, 2010). This improved working conditions, increased production capacity, and reduced production costs (Minette et al, 2007; Leonello et al, 2012). Purfürst (2010) noted that high-performing operators are the most valuable in a company because even if they are properly trained, there is no guarantee that they will perform well on the job. Pagnussat et al (2014) said that a shortage of qualified professionals is the greatest challenge facing forestry companies implementing new technologies in timber harvesting Purfürst (2010) noted that high-performing operators are the most valuable in a company because even if they are properly trained, there is no guarantee that they will perform well on the job. Pagnussat et al (2014) said that a shortage of qualified professionals is the greatest challenge facing forestry companies implementing new technologies in timber harvesting
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
