The House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Technology, sponsored an American Association for the Advancement of Science seminar (July 28, 1981) and 6 days of hearings (September 9-17, 1981) on "The Human Factor in Innovation and Productivity." These hearings were designed to increase knowledge about the role of human factors in technological growth so that innovation and productivity in United States industries can be increased. Presented are findings and recommendations of the Subcommittee and an analysis of the hearings. Findings/recommendations focus on the importance of the human factor, labor-management cooperation, human factor and new technology, human resources for technology, Federal focus on productivity, and the need for research. The analysis includes an overview (summarizing major views expressed by seminar and hearings participants) and more detailed discussions of these views. These discussions address issues related to: (1) the importance of the human factor; (2) the American work force (focusing on worker attitudes/values, participation in decision-making, and management/labor issues); (3) efforts to improve productivity (focusing on approaches, introduction of new technology, and need for more research); and (4) role of the Federal Government, indicating lack of a central focus within the Government for innovation and productivity issues. (JN)