M3D1: Specialization vs. Behavioral Approach to Job Design

 Job designers must focus on four things that directly relate to the job: what, who, how, and where.

• What type of work is in the job?
• Who is the person(s) selected to do the job (available skills)?
• How will the work be completed (method)?
• Where is the work located?

There are two schools of thought for job design—specialization and the other behavioral approach. For this discussion, respond to the following:

• Explain at least one reason for the need of the specialization and behavioral approaches to job design.
• Identify at least two similarities and/or differences between the specialization and behavioral approaches to job design.
• Describe how methods analysis is linked to productivity improvements. Provide an example to illustrate your response.