HR Basics: Job Analysis

Summary

Today's HR Basics episode focuses on job analysis, a critical strategic HR practice impacting various HR functions. It outlines a five-step cyclical process for job analysis, including planning, preparing, conducting, documenting, and updating job descriptions. Methods discussed include observation, interviewing, questionnaires, and using O*NET for collecting job-related data, emphasizing the importance of accurate job documentation.

Takeaways

• 📚 Job analysis is a systematic process for collecting information about job similarities and differences, resulting in job documentation.
• 🛠️ It is a critical strategic HR practice impacting areas such as recruitment, training, performance management, and compensation.
• 🔄 Job analysis is cyclical, ensuring ongoing updates to job documentation to keep it current and relevant.
• 📝 The five-step process for job analysis includes planning, preparing, conducting, documenting, and updating job descriptions.
• 👀 Observation is a method where analysts document activities performed by job holders, useful for repetitive jobs.
• 📝 Diary or log-keeping by employees can generate useful information but may be burdensome to complete accurately.
• 🗣️ Interviews involve structured conversations with job holders and supervisors to identify tasks and responsibilities.
• 📑 Questionnaires are an efficient method for gathering data across multiple jobs, assuming accurate self-analysis by employees.
• 🌐 O*NET is an online database providing a wide range of job-related information, useful for job analysis.
• 📈 Job analysis outcomes are used to create and revise meaningful and accurate job descriptions.
• 🔄 The cyclical nature of job analysis means that it's an ongoing process, ensuring the documentation remains up to date.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'HR Basics' series?

The 'HR Basics' series aims to provide short lessons on various human resource management topics, highlighting the essential knowledge needed for each subject.

What is job analysis and why is it important in HR practices?

Job analysis is the systematic process of collecting information about the similarities and differences in work. It is important because it lays the foundation for well-written job descriptions and impacts nearly all functional areas of HR.

What are the critical roles of job analysis in an organization?

Job analysis plays critical roles in recruitment, selection, training, development, performance management, discipline, employee relations, compensation, safety, health compliance, and strategy design.

What is the outcome of job analysis?

The outcome of job analysis is job documentation, which includes the creation of job descriptions and other relevant job-related information.

Can you describe the recommended five-step cyclical process for job analysis?

The five-step process includes planning the analysis, preparing by organizing the process, conducting the analysis by selecting a method to collect data, documenting by creating job descriptions, and updating job documents to keep information current.

What are the various methods used to conduct job analysis?

The methods include observation, interviewing, questionnaires, and using generic information available through O*NET, an online database of jobs provided by the Department of Labor.

How is the observation method used in job analysis?

The observation method involves an analyst observing and documenting all the activities performed by current job holders while they work, which is particularly useful for routine and repetitive jobs.

What is the interview method in job analysis and how is it conducted?

The interview method involves conducting structured interviews with job holders and supervisors using a series of job-related questions to identify tasks and responsibilities. It often includes both the employee and their supervisor for complete details.

What are the advantages of using questionnaires in job analysis?

Questionnaires offer efficiency and effectiveness, allowing for the collection of data across a large number of jobs in a relatively short period of time while providing standardized types of data.

What is O*NET and how does it assist in job analysis?

O*NET is an online database of jobs provided by the Department of Labor. It contains data on over 800 occupations and is used to collect occupational information that can assist in job analysis.

How should the data gathered through job analysis be used?

The data and information gathered through job analysis should be used to draft meaningful and accurate job descriptions, ensuring that the job documentation is up to date and reflective of the actual job requirements.