Job Descriptions, Motivational Theory and Compensation Surveys

Introductoin

A job description is a list of the general tasks, or functions, and responsibilities of a position. Typically, it also includes to whom the position reports, specifications such as the qualifications needed by the person in the job, salary range for the position, etc. A job description is usually developed by conducting a job analysis, which includes examining the tasks and sequences of tasks necessary to perform the job. The analysis looks at the areas of knowledge and skills needed by the job. Note that a role is the set of responsibilities or expected results associated with a job. A job usually includes several roles. The job description might be broadened to form a person specification. An alternate terminology used under the UN system is Terms of reference (TOR).

Turret-Lathe Set-Up Operator, Tool Duties: Sets up and operates turret lathe to perform series of machining operations, such as turning, facing, boring, and tapping, on metal workpieces, such as machine, tool, or die parts, analyzing specifications and deciding on tooling, applying knowledge of metal properties, shop mathematics, and turret-lathe operations: Studies blueprint to visualize machining to be done, and plans sequence of operations. Selects and installs work-holding fixtures on machine, such as collets, faceplates, two-jaw chuck, or specially-shaped holding devices, and positions and secures workpiece in holding fixture, using wrenches. Selects cutting speed, tool feed rate, depth of cut, and cutting tools for each operation, according to knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Positions and secures tools in toolholders at each station of turret and cross-slide toolpost, and positions tools in relation to workpiece. Moves stops, cams, or levers to control rotation of workpiece and feeding of tools. Turns handwheels to feed tools to and along workpiece and to indexing toolholders between operations, or engages feeding and indexing mechanisms. Turns valve to direct flow of coolant, against tool and workpiece. Verifies conformance of machined workpiece to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges, calipers, and micrometer. May sharpen tools with bench grinder. May operate tracing attachment to duplicate profile of template or model on workpiece. At one time, employees were considered just another input into the production of goods and services. What perhaps changed this way of thinking about employees was research, referred to as the Hawthorne Studies, conducted by Elton Mayo from 1924 to 1932 (Dickson, 103). This study found employees are not motivated solely by money and employee behavior is linked to their attitudes (Dickson, 103). The Hawthorne Studies began the human relations approach to management, whereby the needs and motivation of employees become the primary focus of managers (Dickson, 35).

Motivation Theories

Understanding what motivated employees and how they were motivated was the focus of many researchers following the publication of the Hawthorne Study results (Terpstra, 1979). Five major approaches that have led to our understanding of motivation are Maslow's need-hierarchy theory, Herzberg's two- factor theory, Vroom's expectancy theory, Adams' equity theory, and Skinner's reinforcement theory.

According to Maslow, employees have five levels of ...