The Square of PErceived ACtion Model (SPEAC Model) Applied in Digital Ethnography for Work Activity Analysis: Performance and Workers’ Perception

The SPEAC protocol using first-person perspective ethnography and subsequent replay interviews was applied to analyze work activities at a French nuclear power plant during real operating situations of Operations shift teams (15 situations and 30 participants, about 1950 min. video recordings and 2400 min. audio recordings). Results were compared with those obtained with the standard method applied in the French nuclear fleet (Systemic Approach to Training: SAT). Both SPEAC and SAT methods provided knowledge and know-how necessary to perform work activities. Following each analysis, participants were presented with a questionnaire for assessment of the method. Items addressed efficiency, constraints, extended application to colleagues or other activities. SPEAC method showed a significantly higher level of identification of knowledge and know-how per activity (from 1.9 to 9 times more) than SAT and at a lower cost. The SPEAC method evaluation by participants was positive, with a good consistency of answers. Trainees considered that i) analyzing the subjective film was perceived as a real added value compared to a classic method (without subjective film, ii) the new method induced faster progress iii) the overall perception was positive) iv) the method was worth being deployed to other activities. Bias, limits and perspectives are discussed.