Lesson 2: The Nature of Work

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

• Define key terms in the world of work
• Describe what makes work important
• Describe and categorize work
• Explain the concept of job design
• Describe the difference between job enrichment and job enlargement
• Discuss how teamwork comes into play amid the nature of work
• Describe in which ways work might be arranged

What are some key definitions in the world of work?

When it comes to the nature work, there are a number of terms that must be defined so that we are all on the same page. These terms are used often in everyday language, and yet they are also commonly misused:

Element: The smallest unit in to which work can be divided without analyzing the separate motions, movements, and mental processes involved

Tasks: Cognitive and/or physical operations that are performed actively and with purpose

Duty: A large segment of work performed by an individual and may include any number of tasks
 
KSAOs: The knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics employees need in order to successfully carry out work tasks

Knowledge: Understanding and having proper information to carry out one’s tasks

Skills: Knowing how to do one’s tasks properly

Abilities: Mental or physical competencies that can be refined with training.

Other Characteristics: Any other attribute that helps an individual to perform his/her job (i.e., personality)

Position: A set of related tasks/activities that are performed by one individual

Job: A group of positions where tasks and work activities are basically the same

Job Family: A group of jobs that is similar to others in an organization

Occupation: The same job as it exists in multiple organizations; Note: a person’s occupation does NOT depend on employment in a certain organization.

Career: Changes in job or organizational level over the course of an individual’s work life