An evaluation of the job characteristics of an international engineering company

Abstract

One of the most widely used job design approaches is the job characteristic model (JCM) that was developed by Hackman and Oldham in 1976. This research therefore adopts a quantitative research approach, making use of the JCM to evaluate employee’s perception of the importance of their core job characteristics at the South African operation of an international company. Knowledge of the aforementioned can assist management to improve the jobs of employees and hence their performance. The main finding of this research was that employees scored task significance as the most important job characteristic and job feedback as the least important. They also perceived their jobs to have high motivational potential. It seems clear that the company provides an environment that is conducive to high personal and work outcomes for employees. Management should, however, also attempt to advise employees more frequently about their performance. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a benchmark for the results of applying the JCM in the South African engineering industry.