Where does human factors fit in R&D organizations?

It is argued that human factors professionals in large R&D organizations should have a centralized human factors group (or department) with a manager sensitive to human factors organizational issues. This arrangement permits these professionals to maximize their contributions to the design, development, and testing of a product or service. Managers of human factors groups and departments can help educated project managers about the value of human factors. Human factors groups, departments, and managers provide benefits to the company by resolving project conflicts concerning user-oriented designs. They help foster a sense of a behavioral sciences community within the R&D organization and aid in recruiting job candidates. They are good for the product or service, the company, and the human factors profession.<>