Job design has generated substantial theoretical and empirical interest in the past decades. The purpose of this entry is to describe and evaluate the most significant approaches to job design.

Designing Jobs for Individuals

Industrial Engineering

The first to undertake job design for individuals was Frederick W. Taylor, who developed the industrial engineering or scientific management approach in the early 20th century. Taylor’s approach dictated four specifications. First, work should be studied scientifically to identify the most efficient method for accomplishing tasks and allocating them among employees. Second, employee–job fit should be optimized so that employees should be mentally and physically capable of performing their jobs but not be overqualified. Third, employee training should be based on the scientific analysis of the work and regularly monitored to ensure ...

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