Job design is next to job analysis. Job design involves systematic attempts to organize
tasks, duties and responsibilities into a unit of work to achieve certain objectives. Job
design integrates the work content and qualifications required for each job that meets
the needs of employee and the organization. Job design makes the job highly
specialized and well designed jobs are important in attracting and retaining a
motivated work force.
According to Michael Armstrong, “Job Design is the process of deciding on the
contents of a job in terms of its duties and responsibilities, on the methods to be used
in carrying out the job, in terms of techniques, systems and procedures, and on the
relationships that should exist between the job holder and his superior subordinates
and colleagues.” Job Design is affected by three categories of factors:
Organizational Factors: The organizational factors that affect job design are
characteristics of task, work flow, ergonomics and work practices.
factors include employee abilities & availability and Social & Cultural expectations.
need to be satisfied properly. Behavioral elements include the following:
tasks, duties and responsibilities into a unit of work to achieve certain objectives. Job
design integrates the work content and qualifications required for each job that meets
the needs of employee and the organization. Job design makes the job highly
specialized and well designed jobs are important in attracting and retaining a
motivated work force.
According to Michael Armstrong, “Job Design is the process of deciding on the
contents of a job in terms of its duties and responsibilities, on the methods to be used
in carrying out the job, in terms of techniques, systems and procedures, and on the
relationships that should exist between the job holder and his superior subordinates
and colleagues.” Job Design is affected by three categories of factors:
Organizational Factors: The organizational factors that affect job design are
characteristics of task, work flow, ergonomics and work practices.
- Characteristic of task: Each task consists of 3 elements, namely, planning,
executing and controlling. Job design involves the assembly of a number of tasks
into a job or a group of jobs. A job may require an employee to perform a variety
of connected task. All these characteristics of jobs are taken into consideration
for job design. - Workflow: The flow of work in an organization is strongly influenced by the
nature of the product. This product usually suggests the sequence and balance
between jobs if the work is to be completed efficiently. - Ergonomics: Ergonomics is concerned with the designing and shaping of jobs
as per the physical abilities and characteristics of individuals so that they can
perform their jobs effectively. - Work Practices: Work practices are the set methods of performing work. This
can affect the job design as there is little flexibility in designing the job especially
if the work practices are approved by employee unions.
factors include employee abilities & availability and Social & Cultural expectations.
- Employee Abilities & Availability: Abilities and availability of people plays an
important role while designing jobs. Due attention needs to be given to the
employee who will actually perform the job. - Social And Cultural Expectations: Jobs should be designed keeping the
employees in mind. Due to increase in literacy rate and knowledge, employees
are now more aware and only perform jobs that are to their liking and match
their profile.
need to be satisfied properly. Behavioral elements include the following:
- Feedback: Employee should be given proper feedback about his job
performance. This will enable the employee to improve his performance and
complete the job in a proper manner - Autonomy: Employee should be given proper autonomy required to perform the
work. The absence of autonomy may lead to poor performance on the part of
employees. - Use of Abilities: The job should be designed in such a manner that an
employee will be able to use his abilities fully and perform the job effectively. - Variety: Absence of variety in the job assigned may lead to boredom. Adequate
scope to variety factor should be given while designing a job.