Job Analysis

According to Blum, "Job analysis is the accurate study of various job components. It is not only concerned with the duties and conditions of the work but also with the individual's qualification of the worker."

Job analysis provides information related to a job which can be used to make the job or process simple. It also helps sets standards of the minimum acceptable qualities, results, performance or rewards for a particular job. The information provided from the job analysis provides support for various personnel activities such as, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Compensation and Strategic Planning.

The process of job analysis involves a number of steps. The first step provides a broad-view of how each job fits into the total organization. Organization charts and process charts are used to complete this step. In step 2, those involved are encouraged to determine how the job analysis and job design information will be used. Step 3, the jobs that are to be analyzed are selected. Step 4 involves collecting data of the selected job by using acceptable job analysis techniques. The job is analyzed by collecting data on job activities in the context of required employee's behaviour, required working conditions, human traits and abilities to perform the job. The information collected in step 4 is used in step 5 to develop a job description. In step 6, a job specification is prepared.

The outcomes of the job analysis are job description and job specification. Job description is the principal product of job analysis. It represents a written summary of the job as an identifiable organizational unit. However, a job specification is a written explanation of the knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and other characteristics necessary for effective performance on a given job. There are 5 methods which can be used to collect information from a job analysis, Observation, Interviews, Questionnaires, Incumbent diary or log.

An efficient recruitment process will limit applicants to those individuals who can actually perform the jobs that require new employees.