Question

What are the pros and cons of job enlargement

Answer 1

Job enlargement can be defined as the addition of some more tasks horizontally to an existing job. It is the increase in number of tasks that are performed by an employee when some new ones are added to the workflow. Therefore, the time cycle required to complete one unit of operation will increase when a job is enlarged. Along with increasing the number of tasks, job enlargement may also increase the variety of tasks included in an operation. Workers get a wider range of opportunities for performing more and a variety of tasks, all being at the same level. An example can be a situation when a factory worker starts to assemble the entire radio set while initially being only responsible for installing the speakers.

Pros or Advantages of Job Enlargement

Meaningful jobs: Job enlargement may make the jobs more meaningful for the employees and provide them greater satisfaction. Employees may find that they’re being engaged with the project to an even greater extent.

Better Utilization of Employee capabilities: Job enlargement may provide for better utilization of employee capabilities as well, which may also add to their existing skills. Employees may become even more versatile at handling the different tasks and in turn be more valuable to the organization.

Job Satisfaction: Workers may start to enjoy their work times more, and may also work at their own pace. Supervisors also understand that employees need some time to attain a certain degree of time to gain expertise in the new tasks they’re handling. Hence the new work scenario is paced following a worker's desires.

Apart from these benefits, employees may also find their work to be less monotonous, attain faster career growth, and may also be more responsible, accountable, and autonomous after a job enlargement.

Cons or Disadvantages of Job Enlargement

There may be some drawbacks associated with job enlargement as well, as listed below.

a. Job enlargement may not increase the employee’s enthusiasm towards the job, as while the number of tasks is increased, the overall job remains dull and routine.

b. If job enlargement is not accompanied by a reward the motivation may not improve. The worker will remain working in the same sphere of activities, and there will be no upliftment in responsibility, authority, or salary.

c.Job creep may occur when the tasks increase to a greater extent and the employees feel overwhelmed. This may reduce worker morale, and can also impact the quality of the deliverables.

d.Job enlargement may also be costly in some cases, for instance when the new tasks require additional training. When job enlargement is accompanied by modifying the existing production line of process/work or redesigning a new system, it may add to costs as well.

e.There may be a temporary fall in productivity and even wastages may occur.

f. The organization may be pressurized by the employees/unions for the pay hikes. Some may even leave their jobs when they do not find a new job structure convenient or rewarding enough.