Question

What are the primary differences between job evaluations and job descriptions? What are each used for and what are some of the potential legal issues associated with both?

All resources should be cited according to APA format (in-text citations and full reference)

Answer 1

Job Evaluation: It focuses on the nature and requirements of job itself. It aims at analyzing and evaluating work for the purpose of determining the relative value of each job in an organization. For providing fair compensation to the employees, it is important to evaluate a job. It helps in removing inequalities in the wage system, making a comparative analysis of each job, etc. Job evaluation involves evaluating and analyzing a job in terms of tasks, responsibilities, skills, tools, knowledge and expertise required to fulfill the job requirement successfully. It helps to determine the skills and abilities that the employee must possess in order to complete the job successfully. It is an attempt of assessing the relative utility of a particular job in an organization.

Job Description: It is a written statement. It includes the facts describing the purpose, scope, context and responsibilities of a job. With the help of job description we are able to know the clear picture of the position’s role within the organization. A well written job description is helpful in supervision and in allocating work, aids recruitment and selection processes, assists in human resource and capacity planning, useful in performance evaluation and appraisal, helps in deciding remuneration packages, helps identify training requirements, and helps to carry out training and development programs.

Job Evaluation includes job specification and job description. Job description is a part of job evaluation. In order to evaluate and analyze a job it is important to understand the job and its various components. The major difference between the two is that job description covers only one component of the process of job evaluation as job evaluation also includes job specification, which is a statement of the minimally acceptable human qualifications that are required to complete the job successfully. Job evaluation focuses on determining the relative utility of a particular job in the organization whereas job description is a careful study of each and every aspect of a particular job. Job evaluation helps to determine a fair wage of a job whereas job description helps to develop methods and techniques of doing a particular job.

Job evaluation is basically used for determining the fair wage of a job. It also helps in removing inequalities in the wage system, making comparative analysis of each job, etc. A systematic comparison of jobs helps to determine their relative worth in the organization which in turn helps to establish a rational pay structure.

On the other hand Job description is used to outline the major duties & reponsibilities that are associated with a particular job. A clear job description helps employees to understand the responsibilities and duties that are required and expected from them. It helps in recruitment & selection, performance appraisal and also helps to determine the training needs of the employees.

While establishing a job evaluation policy and procedure is not a legal requirement, job evaluation is an effective tool organizations use in meeting requirements of pay equity legislation. A comprehensive job evaluation policy and process can serve to both ensure, and demonstrate, objective and fair decision-making regarding compensation structures, staffing and promotion. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, job descriptions must clearly define the essential functions of the position when posted for hiring. Employers who fail to accurately define job functions and fail to provide the proper accommodations will be held in violation of the ADA and can be fined. The Equal Pay Act requires that both men and women receive equal pay for equal work. It depends on the clear definition of essential job functions in defining compensation for positions. Violation of this act is illegal & carries fines.