Discuss the salient features of job analysis.

The purpose of Job analysis is to establish and document the job relatedness of employment procedures such as training, selection, compensation, and performance appraisal. Job analysis should collect information on the following areas:

Duties and Tasks: The basic unit of a job is the performance of specific tasks and duties. Information to be collected about these items may include: frequency, duration, effort, skill, complexity, equipment, standards, etc.

Environment: This may have a significant impact on the physical requirements to be able to perform a job. The work environment may include unpleasant conditions such as offensive odors and temperature extremes. There may also be definite risks to the incumbent such as noxious fumes, radioactive substances, hostile and aggressive people, and dangerous explosives.

Tools and Equipment’s: Some duties and tasks are performed using specific equipment and tools. Equipment may include protective clothing. These items need to be specified in a job analysis.

Relationships: Supervision given and received. Relationships with internal or external people.

Requirements: The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) required for performing the job. While an incumbent may have higher KSA’s than those required for the job, a Job Analysis typically only states the minimum requirements to perform the job.