Definition of Job Analysis
Mathis and Jackson (1999) view job analysis as a systematic way to gather and analyze information about the content and human requirements of jobs and the context in which jobs are performed.
Dessier (2005) defines job analysis as the procedure through which job analyst determines the duties of different positions of an’ organization and the characteristics of the people to hire them.
Dale Yoder (1983) defines job analysis as “a process in which jobs are studied to determine what tasks and responsibilities they include their relationships to other jobs, the conditions under which work is performed, and the personnel capabilities required for satisfactory performance.”
In the opinion of Strauss and Sayles (1977), job analysis consists of two parts, a statement of work to be done (Job description) and the skills and knowledge which must be possessed by anyone filling the job (Job Specification)”.
According to Gary Dessler, “Job analysis is the procedure for determining the duties and skills requirements of a job and the kind of person who should be hired for it.”
According to Edwin B. Flippo, “Job Analysis is the process of studying and collecting information relating to the operation and responsibilities of a specific job.”
“Job analysis is a systematic way to gather and analyze information about the content and the human requirements of jobs and the context in which jobs are performed.” – Decenzo and Robbins.
Job analysis involves collecting data about the performance of the job in an organization.
However, this definition is probably too simplistic when all of the different types of information that must be collected are considered.
For example, the data collected should clearly describe exactly what is required to perform a specific job.
This should include the:
- Knowledge: Knowledge is defined as the degree to which a job holder must know specific technical material.
- Skill: Skill is defined as adequate performance on tasks requiring tools, equipment, and machinery.
- Abilities: Abilities refers to the physical and material capabilities needed to perform tasks not requiring the use of tools, equipment, and machinery. Further, where the job is completed must be considered.
So the types of information to be collected by a job analysis are shown below:
- Work activities.
- Work-oriented activities.
- Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids are used.
- Job-related tangible and intangible.
- Work performance.
- Job context.
- Personal requirement.
So. job analysis is the process of determining and reporting pertinent information relating to the nature of a specific job. It is the determination of the tasks that comprise the job and the skills, knowledge, abilities, and responsibilities required of the holder for successful job performance.
The end product of a job analysis is a written description of the actual requirements of the job.
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