Applying the Job Characteristics Model for externals

Introduction

The first step in applying the job characteristics model is to diagnose the work environment to determine if a performance problem is due to de-motivating job characteristics. This can be accomplished by having employees complete the job diagnostic survey (JDS). The JDS is a self-report instrument that assesses the extent to which a specific job possesses the five core job characteristics. With this instrument, it also is possible to calculate a motivating potential score for a job. The motivating potential score (MPS) is a summary index that represents the extent to which the job characteristics foster internal work motivation. Low scores indicate that an individual will not experience high intrinsic motivation from the job. Such a job is a prime candidate for job redesign. High scores reveal that a job is capable of stimulating intrinsic motivation and suggest that a performance problem is not due to de-motivating job characteristics. The MPS is computed as follows:

Skill + Task + Task

MPS = variety identity significance

3

X Autonomy

X Feedback

Judging from this equation, which core job characteristic do you think is relatively more important in determining the motivational potential of a job? Because autonomy and feedback are not divisible by another number, low amounts of autonomy and feedback have a greater chance of lowering MPS than the job characteristics of skill variety, task identity, and task significance.

Since the JDS is a long questionnaire, please complete a subset of the instrument. This will enable you to calculate the MPS and to identify deficient job characteristics.

Instructions

First assess the MPS of your current or former job. You should first complete the 12 items from the JDS. For each item, indicate whether it is an accurate or inaccurate description of your current or most recent job by selecting one number from the scale provided. Write your response in the space provided next to each item. After completing the JDS, use the scoring key to compute a total score for each of the core job characteristics.

1 = very inaccurate 5 = slightly accurate

2 = mostly inaccurate 6 = mostly accurate

3 = slightly inaccurate 7 = very accurate

4 = uncertain

_____ 1. Supervisors often let me know how well they think I am performing the job.

_____ 2. The job requires me to use a number of complex or high-level skills.

_____ 3. The job is arranged so that I have the chance to do an entire piece of work from beginning to end.

_____ 4. Just doing the work required by the job provides many chances for me to figure out how well I am doing.

_____ 5. The job is not simple and repetitive.

_____ 6. This job is one where a lot of other people can be affected by how well the work gets done.

_____ 7. The job does not deny me the chance to use my personal initiative or judgment in carrying out the work.

_____ 8. The job provides me the chance to completely finish the pieces of work I begin.

_____ 9. The job itself provides plenty of clues about whether or not I am performing well.

_____ 10. The job gives me considerable opportunity for independence and freedom in how I do the work.

_____ 11. The job itself is very significant or important in the broader scheme of things.

_____ 12. The supervisors and co-workers on this job almost always give me feedback about how well I am doing in my work.

Scoring Key

Compute the average of the two items that measure each job characteristic.

Skill variety (2 and 5) _____

Task identity (3 and 8) _____

Task significance (6 and 11) _____

Autonomy (7 and 10) _____

Feedback from job itself (4 and 9) _____

Feedback from others (1 and 12) _____

Now you are ready to calculate the MPS. First, you need to compute a total score for the feedback job characteristic. This is done by computing the average of the job characteristics entitled feedback from job itself and feedback from others. Second, use the MPS formula presented earlier to compute the MPS.

1. Aim to increase the MPS score by redesigning the work so that the lower core job dimensions could be higher. Give specific suggestions.
2. What problems did you encounter?