The perception of experienced workers in the decision-making process

This paper analyzes the complexity of the historical body of experienced workers in organizations, especially with regard to experience and insight into the decision making process. Thus, the aim of this study is to demonstrate the regulation strategies used, through field observations. The main aspects of the creation and transmission of tacit knowledge and Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology of perception are presented in a way that allows the confrontation of ideas about following or not following the rules. The research was conducted at the System Operation Center of a large energy company in Minas Gerais. Ergonomic Work Analysis and action research were the methods used, comprising immersion in the labor field, the identification of trials, and “shortcuts” related to cognition and perception. The convenience sample was composed of five technicians who work in the energy sector. The results showed that perception and expertise help workers in the decision-making process when faced with a problematic or conventional situation.