Question

1.

(a) Describe Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model.

(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with using the Job Characteristics Model to redesign jobs.

Answer 1

a)

Hackman and Oldham's job characteristic model is mainly based on the concept that any task or work is the most critical factor in employee motivation. Especially, in monotonous and boring jobs employees find it very hard to be motivated to perform well. On the other hand, an employee in challenging jobs tends to be more motivated.

According to the model, there are 5 main job characteristics that impact the psychological states ( experienced responsibility for results, experienced meaningfulness, and understanding of the real outcomes) and affects the work outcomes (motivation, job satisfaction, and absenteeism, etc.).

These five job characteristics are as follows:

1. Task identity,
2. Autonomy,
3. Skill varieties,
4. Task significance,
5. and feedback.

b)

The main advantage of the job characteristics model is that it helps employees to feel that they are able to make difference in their workplace. It also allows managers to get feedback from employees on what and how they are doing. It gives high motivation, high satisfaction, and high province.

The main disadvantage of this model is that if manager is not following this model or lacks one of the characteristics then employee may think that it is not worth trying and it will eventually decrease the motivation level and morale of employees.