HPT is the ethical practice of solving performance problems or realizing opportunities by using a combination of detailed performance analysis, design, development, implementation, and performance evaluation of appropriate interventions that are result-oriented, which can be applied to individuals, small groups or organization as a whole. Below is the definition of HPT by the International Society for Performance Improvement in 2005. 

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"A Systematic approach to improving productivity and competence, uses a set of methods and procedures – and a strategy for solving problems – for realizing opportunities related to the performance of people. More specifically, it is a process of selection, analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of programs to most cost-effectively influence human behavior and accomplishment. It is systematic combination of three fundamental processes: Performance analysis, cause analysis, and intervention selection, and can be applied to individuals, small groups and large organizations”.

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Dr. Pershing (2006) defines Performance Technology  as,

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"The study and ethical practice of improving productivity in organizations by designing and developing effective interventions that are result-oriented, comprehensive and systemic."

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As shown in the figure by Van Tiem et. al., (2012), the basic HPT model has the following steps. 

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1. Analysis: Needs Analysis, Cause Analysis and Performance Analysis

2. Intervention selection: Environment / Individual

3. Intervention Implementation: Communication, Process consulting etc.,

4. Evaluation: Formative, Summative, Confirmative.

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