The Design of Work towards Organizational Growth
Work Design and Job Design.
People often confuse work design and job design. Are these two different concepts? The answer is YES it is.
Job design is sub set of Work design. In Armstong's handbook he clearly defines this.
Work Design
Work design is concerned with developing the systems of work carried out in the organization – the processes, practices and technology used to get things done by people. Work design is closely associated with job design in that the latter is conducted within the context of the system of work. Armstrong (2020, P.215)
As per the definition and the term, we can brief the concept. There are goals and objectives of the organization. Work design is how you are going achieve. It is like the map of goal and objective achievement. Additionally it is associated with health, safety and well-being of employees of the organization.
As we all know the world is ever changing with globalization, women workforce, diversity, inclusivity, education of the workforce and more ageing workforce. In the current context we have more knowledge workers. Hence, it has been very challenging for work design.
Researchers also speak about concepts such as Smart working, Flexible working, High-performance working & Lean manufacturing in the modern world.
Work design is mostly done by the senior management and strategic managers. The role of HR department is that to make sure that it secures health, safety and well-being of employees as well as by providing best ways that people could be used in work systems to their own benefit as well as that of the organization.
Job Design
Job design is the process of establishing employees’ roles and responsibilities. Its main purpose is to optimise work processes to create value and maximise performance. But, it’s also a key element in creating good quality jobs which benefit both workers and employers. (CIPD, 2023)
This includes deciding of
- Duties and responsibilities of the job holder
- The way job is done
- Support and resources job holder will need
Under this method, employees will be given opportunity to rotate from one job to another. This has to be done in a predetermined way. And it should not put the employee onto a difficult situations by allocating them into a task that they are not interested or inappropriate. Example: Gender bias tasks, a job needs a specific knowledge.
Job enlargement “transforms the jobs to include more and/or different tasks” (Durai, 2010, p. 96). Through this you improve the interest of employee towards the job. When more and different tasks are being given employees will seek more information and put more effort on doing the job. Hence, will meet organizational interests.
Conclusion:
Through Work and Job Design organization will bring the organization objectives and employee objectives to a same level. Organizations should ensure that they are taking care of their employees health, safety and well-being when designing work and job. When organizations do the same employees will be motivated to work towards achieving its goals and objectives. Employee engagement will also be at higher levels as they have been given clear instructions as well as they are being well recognized. Ultimately the organization will achieve the desired growth.
References:
- Belias, D.I.M.I.T.R.I.O.S. and Sklikas, D.I.M.I.T.R.I.O.S., 2013. Aspects of job design. International Journal of Human Resource Management and Research, 3(4), pp.85-94.
- CIPD, June 20223 , Job Design Fact Sheet. Available on https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/factsheets/job-design-factsheet/#:~:text=Job%20design%2C%20or%20redesign%2C%20is,way%20the%20job%20is%20done . Accessed on 6.4.2024
- Ilgen, D.R. and Hollenbeck, J.R., 1991. Job design and roles. Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology, 2, pp.165-207.
The alignment of individual talents with strategic goals should be prioritized in the design of work for organizational growth. This entails cultivating an environment of accountability and autonomy where workers are encouraged to take initiative. Moreover, incorporating feedback loops guarantees ongoing enhancement, which is essential for flexibility in ever-changing markets.
ReplyDeletebelow link has more information with related to the information given https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/001088040004100123
Yah, this so informative article, To make jobs that make employees happier and more productive, design needs to be carefully thought out and take into account individual needs, organisational goals, and outside factors.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. By aligning tasks, roles, and processes with strategic objectives, businesses can cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and agility.
ReplyDeleteYes as individuals we should understand Work design is the process of developing the systems of work within an organization, including processes, practices, and technology used to achieve goals and objectives. It is closely related to job design and is crucial for the health, safety, and well-being of employees. And also The modern world faces challenges due to globalization, women, diversity, inclusivity, education, and an aging workforce. Concepts like Smart working, Flexible working, High-performance working, and Lean manufacturing are discussed. HR departments ensure employee health, safety, and well-being.
ReplyDeleteWell-articulated! Your article beautifully highlights the critical importance of work and job design in aligning organizational objectives with employee goals. Prioritizing employees' health, safety, and well-being in job design not only fosters motivation but also enhances employee engagement and performance. By providing clear instructions and recognition, organizations create an environment where employees are empowered to contribute effectively towards achieving organizational goals. This holistic approach ultimately leads to desired growth and success for the organization
ReplyDeleteA well-designed work environment encourages collaboration, creativity, and productivity among employees. By establishing clear goals, roles, and responsibilities, organizations provide employees with a roadmap for success and empower them to contribute meaningfully to the organization's growth trajectory.
ReplyDeleteThis article provides a good differentiation between work design and job design, and the strategies you have described for job design seem beneficial. While job design mainly focuses duties and responsibilities, it may also take into consideration matching the job with the individual's talents, interests, and working style. This has the potential to increase motivation and performance beyond the mere optimization of activities.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Work design and job design are indeed different concepts, with work design focusing on the overall systems of work within an organization, while job design deals specifically with defining employees' roles and responsibilities. Both are crucial for optimizing performance and creating value, and when done effectively, they contribute to organizational growth
ReplyDeleteYour article on work and job design is incredibly insightful and well-researched. Great work Tharukshi!
ReplyDeleteYour distinction between work design and job design clarifies a common misconception and provides a solid foundation for understanding their respective roles in organizational growth. I particularly resonate with the emphasis on employee well-being and engagement in the design process, as it aligns with my belief that organizations thrive when they prioritize the health and satisfaction of their employees. Keep up the excellent work in shedding light on important organizational concepts!
Great breakdown of the distinction between work design and job design! It's crucial to understand how these concepts intersect and contribute to organizational success. Your explanation really clarifies their roles in optimizing processes and creating value for both employees and employers.
ReplyDeleteDesigning work effectively is pivotal for organizational growth. When roles are clear, tasks are aligned with goals, and resources are optimized, employees can perform at their best. Good article.
ReplyDelete