Job Analysis
Job analysis is an important human resource management tool that establishes a clear understanding of an employees job description, tasks and duties, qualifications and performance standards. Job analysis plays a major role in the recruitment, hiring, training and evaluation of employees. It is one of the most important activities of human resource management because it is a prerequisite for the development of other major human resource management areas such as job description, job evaluation, job design, compensation, performance appraisal, or even career planning.
The purpose of job analysis is to understand the necessary competencies and tasks a job requires to maximize an employees performance. It is a systematic process of analyzing, collecting and documenting the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a job. It is a primary source of information for making decisions about human resources management such as recruitment, selection, training and development, performance appraisal and job evaluation.
The steps of a job analysis include:
1. Establish purpose: Establish the goals and objectives for the job analysis.
2. Collect job information: Obtain a comprehensive overview of the job from the incumbent (the person currently performing the job) and colleagues.
3. Analyze job information: Analyze the collected data by focusing on the duties, responsibilities, activities and tasks associated with the job.
4. Develop job description: Create a job description that identifies the job title, its primary functions, qualifications, salary range and reporting relationships.
5. Develop job specifications: Identify the duties, qualifications and skills required for effective performance of the job.
Job analysis can also be used for other purposes such as:
• Establishing the levels of a job• Comparing jobs to each other• Training and development• Clarifying job descriptions• Finding solutions to job related problems• Identifying areas of potential organizational improvement• Enhancing job enrichment efforts• Developing employee evaluation criteria
Job analysis helps employers create job descriptions and job specifications, which are important tools when recruiting, selecting, and evaluating employees. When done properly, job analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications needed for the job. This understanding is essential for developing effective employee selection and training programs, fair compensation and performance management policies, and efficient staffing models.
