Job Design and the Global Economy
Job Design: Objective Post Description
Job Analysis
The purpose of job analysis is to provide an objective description of a position, differentiating it from others based on demands, activities, and required skills.
Contents of the Position
This refers to the activities required by the position. A common method, functional job analysis, describes the position in terms of:
- Data, People, and Job Interactions: How the worker interacts with data, people, and other jobs.
- Methods and Techniques: The methods and techniques used by the worker.
- Tools and Equipment: Machines, tools, and equipment used by the worker.
- Materials and Products: Materials, products, or services produced by the worker.
Requirements of the Post
These relate to the education, experience, licenses, and other personal characteristics expected of the individual fulfilling the position. A common method, the job analysis questionnaire, considers these human factors by analyzing:
- Information sources critical to job performance.
- Information processing and decision-making critical to job performance.
- Required interpersonal relations.
- Reactions to working conditions.
Background of the Position
This refers to factors like physical demands, working conditions, reliability, responsibility, required supervision, and consequences of errors. The context of the post describes the work environment.
Designing Jobs
Perceived Content of the Post
This refers to the general characteristics of a job as perceived by the worker. Two individuals performing the same work may have different perceptions. Six characteristics define perceived content:
- Variety: The range of operations and equipment/procedures required.
- Autonomy: The degree of influence over planning, equipment selection, and procedures.
- Task Identity: The ability to complete a whole piece of work and identify results.
- Feedback: The information received regarding performance.
- Facing Others: The degree of interaction with others required to complete work.
- Friendship Opportunities: The ability to interact and establish informal relationships with colleagues.
Scope and Depth
Scope refers to the number of tasks performed. Depth refers to the discretion an individual has over activities and results, often related to personal influence and delegated authority.
Individual and Social Environment Differences
Individual Differences: Needs and growth desires influence the perception of task variety.
Social Environment Differences: Perceptions of a job are influenced by what others say about it.
Improving Job Design
Job Rotation
Rotating employees through different jobs increases task variety and can improve satisfaction, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency.
Job Enlargement
Increasing the number of tasks (scope) can reduce boredom and increase satisfaction, though it requires longer training.
Globalization: Continued
Economic Factors
The global economy is increasingly weightless and intangible, driven by information, networks, and a shift towards a knowledge economy.
Multinational Corporations
These companies operate in multiple countries and play a significant role in economic globalization, creating global networks of labor and production.
The Electronic Economy
The ability to move funds electronically across borders facilitates globalization but also increases risk.
Political Changes
- Collapse of Soviet Communism: Former Soviet bloc countries are adopting Western-style systems.
- Growth of International Governance: Organizations like the UN and EU are becoming more influential.
- Influence of IGOs and NGOs: Intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations play a key role in international affairs.