Chapter 7

Job Design and Work Schedules

2

Job Dimensions and their Sub-dimensions

Task CharacteristicsWork scheduling

autonomyDecision-making Work methods

autonomyTask varietyTask significanceTask identityFeedback from job

Social CharacteristicsSocial supportInitiated

interdependenceReceived

interdependenceInteraction outside

organizationFeedback from others

3

Job Dimensions and their Sub-dimensions, continued

Knowledge Characteristics

Job complexityInformation

processingProblem solvingSkill varietySpecialization

Contextual characteristics

ErgonomicsPhysical demandsWork conditionsEquipment use

4

Job Specialization Specialists perform a limited

number of tasks, such as a tax accountant.

Specialization allows for development of expertise.

Lower-level specialized jobs require less training.

Specialization leads to boredom for many workers.

5

Characteristics of an Enriched Job

1. Direct feedback2. Client

relationships3. New learning4. Control over

method5. Control over

scheduling

6. Unique experience

7. Control over resources

8. Direct communication authority

9. Personal accountability

6

Job Involvement, Enlargement, and Rotation

Job involvement is psychological identification with work.

Job enlargement is increasing the number and variety of tasks in the job.

Job rotation is a temporary switching of job assignments.

7

Job Crafting and Job Design

Competent worker goes beyond job description—has flexible work role.

To craft job, workers will change (a) tasks they perform (b) contacts with others, and (c) their view of the job.

Crafting helps the job become more meaningful.

8

Ergonomics and Job Design Minimize physical demands on workers

and optimize system performance. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are

common, and often stem from overuse. Cumulative trauma disorders including

carpal tunnel syndrome are widespread. The right equipment and posture can

prevent cumulative trauma disorders.

9

Modified Work Schedules

Help increase satisfaction and motivation and enhance recruiting.

Flexible working hours are widely used. Compressed work week allows 40 hours

of work in less than five days. Telecommuters work from home as well

as other places outside the office. Saves money but may decrease teamwork.

10

High Performance Work Systems in Manufacturing Organizes work so that front-line

workers participate in key decisions.

Workers must have (a) some autonomy, (b) access to helpers, (c) self-managing work teams.

HPWS must be part of good human resource management, such as good selection and training.

11

Adjusting Worker Resources for High-Performance Each worker’s supply of resources

must match his demand for the resources.

Each of four spans of job must be properly adjusted: (a) control, (b) accountability, (c) influence, and (d) support.

Executive fine-tunes the resources.