A Hybrid Modeling Approach for Incorporating Behavioral Issues into Workforce Planning

Workforce planning is a critical success factor for every organization and an important field in operations research (OR). In contrast to most existing OR workforce models we explicitly consider the heterogeneity of real world workforce systems by incorporating human attributes and behavior. Our model is based on hybrid systems theory and implemented using different modeling paradigms: agent-based modeling and simulation, discrete event simulation, and system dynamics. It enables practitioners to analyze the evolution of the staff as well as organizational performance under various and changing conditions. Furthermore, our research demonstrates that bridging OR and psychology respectively management science is a promising path for solving complex real world management problems and hybrid modeling facilitates building this bridge.