Midterm Exam

Running Head : JOB ANALYSIS AND JOB DESIGN PROCESSES

Job Analysis and Job Design Processes

in Law Enforcement Agencies (insert your name here (insert the name of your school here

A job is defined as a collection of tasks and responsibilities that an employee is responsible to conduct (Macnamara , 1997 . That being said there are two things necessary to create a job . The first is a set of fixed tasks , and the second is a job title . To be able to specify and designate those two important things mentioned above , there must first

be a thorough job analysis which results in a detailed job The company must undergo a job design process as well . All these will ensure that a job is carried out by someone who is perfectly suited for it , and that the job contributes to the ultimate progress of a company firm or organization

A thorough job analysis helps the company to track and assess the progress or improvement of a particular employee . By means of job analysis , a job is formed and this becomes the standard by which the employee performs and executes his or her tasks . The company then charts individual progress by the employee 's ability , or inability to meet the standards set in the job . Meanwhile , job design processes help determine the scope , boundaries , specifications and needed qualifications of a certain job . For example , if a clerical job is open , a thorough job analysis and job design process will help determine specific tasks needed to be performed by the applying worker Job analysis and job design processes place stress on an individual 's abilities as well , encouraging him or her to keep up with company standards . By doing so , each employee can accomplish job security and contribute to overall organizational improvement

There are , however , common flaws in job analysis and job design processes in law enforcement agencies . It is an accepted fact that the law enforcement workplace is broad , unpredictable and dangerous . For example , a policeman must sometimes act beyond the call of duty in to fulfil his job . Or in other words , he must go beyond the limits of his job in times when it is deemed appropriate . Thus , under these circumstances , it is more difficult to perform a job analysis and undergo a job design process because of the nature and complexity of the job in question

Direct observation is one of the most commonly used job analysis methods in law enforcement agencies . With this method , trained job analysts are allowed to obtain first hand information about the job being analyzed . Instead of longer questionnaires , the job analyst is allowed to observe the job applicant during a short trial period and see how he or she reacts to the workplace . Other job aspects such as tools interrelationships with other workers , flexibility and responsibility are also taken into consideration during direct observation analysis . On the other hand , there is a disadvantage to this method . The performance of the...