Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Job Analysis
Definition:
Job analysis is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and organizing information about the
tasks, responsibilities, skills requirement, outcomes, and work environment of a particular job.
Key Elements:
• Job Content – What the job holder does (tasks, duties, responsibilities).
• Job Requirements – The knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications needed.
• Job Context – Physical, social, and organizational conditions in which the job is
performed.
• To develop job descriptions and job specifications. A job description is a written statement
that explains what a jobholder does, how the job is done, and why it is done. It outlines
the main duties and responsibilities of a specific job. A job specification outlines the
minimum qualifications, skills, and abilities needed to perform a specific job effectively. It
focuses on the person who will do the job, not the job itself.
• To support HR functions such as recruitment, selection, training, and performance
evaluation.
• To ensure legal compliance in employment practices.
Before beginning, it is important to identify why the job analysis is being conducted. Different
purposes may include recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation, or job redesign.
Clarifying the purpose helps in choosing the right method and focus for the analysis.
Organizations may not have the resources to analyze every job at once. Therefore, they must decide
which jobs will be analyzed. Priority is usually given to key positions, frequently changing jobs,
or newly created roles.
This step involves collecting existing information about the job. Sources include:
• Organizational charts
• Job descriptions and job specifications
• Training manuals
• Performance standards
This background knowledge helps the analyst gain an initial understanding of the job and its role
in the organization.
There are various methods for collecting job information. The appropriate method depends on the
job’s complexity and the purpose of the analysis. Common methods include:
This is the actual fieldwork phase, where information is gathered from the selected sources using
the chosen method(s). The analyst records:
• Tasks performed
• Methods and tools used
• Working conditions
• Skills, knowledge, and abilities required
• Responsibilities and duties
Effective communication and cooperation from employees are essential at this stage.
Once the data is collected, it is analyzed to identify the main job tasks, duties, and
responsibilities, along with the skills, qualifications, and physical or mental requirements
needed. The focus is to clearly separate what is essential from what is desirable.
• Job Description – Outlines what the job involves: title, duties, responsibilities, tools used,
and working conditions.
• Job Specification – Details the qualifications needed: education, experience, skills,
abilities, and personal traits.
Jobs are not static—they may change over time due to technology, restructuring, or market
changes. Therefore, job analysis should be reviewed and updated periodically to keep it relevant
and useful.
Job Description
Definition:
A job description is a written statement that explains what a job involves. It provides details
about the duties, responsibilities, working environment, and the reporting structure. It serves
as a guide for both the employee and employer to understand what is expected in a specific role.
1. Job Title:
o Indicates the name of the job.
o Helps identify the position and its level in the organization.
o Example: "Marketing Officer," "HR Assistant."
2. Job Summary:
o A brief overview of the job’s main purpose.
o Describes what the jobholder is expected to achieve.
o Often just a few lines summarizing the overall role.
3. Duties and Responsibilities:
o Lists the key tasks the jobholder must perform.
o Can include both routine duties and occasional tasks.
o Helps ensure accountability and clarity in performance expectations.
4. Reporting Relationships:
o Shows the position’s place within the organizational hierarchy.
o States who the employee reports to and who reports to them (if any).
o Helps define lines of communication and authority.
5. Working Conditions:
o Describes the physical and environmental aspects of the job.
o Includes information on location, noise level, travel, shift timing, or safety hazards.
o Useful for determining any health or physical requirements.
6. Tools and Equipment Used:
o Lists any machinery, tools, or software the employee is expected to use.
o Helps during recruitment to match skills with job requirements.
o Ensures training can be planned where necessary.
Purpose of a Job Description:
Job Specification
Definition:
Job specification outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform
the job effectively.