Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal Methods: Practical Essay

Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal Methods: Practical Applications

My current circumstances could be grooming me for a totally different profession but deep inside, I have always admired the work journalists do. I particularly like how news reporters go out to the field, gather real time information, and interact with newsmakers. In addition to enjoying themselves, these ladies and gentlemen play a very significant role in the creation of a more open and just society. For this assignment, I will address a number of issues with regard to the job I would be interested in pursuing, i.e. news reporting.

Job Analysis

Job analysis according to Werner, Schuler, and Jackson (2010) is essentially "a systematic process of describing and recording information about job behaviors, activities, and worker specifications" (p. 122). In that regard therefore, a job analysis seeks to generate information regarding both those performing the job and the job itself. It is a process that seeks to not only understand but also describe what individuals do at work. In basic terms, job analysis information could be collected using a variety of methods.

In seeking to collect information relating to the job I selected earlier on in this text, I made use of the observation method. This particular method of job analysis in the opinion of Mathis and Jackson (2012) involves the observation of the person undertaking the job in question and taking notes on not only the duties but also the tasks performed. The other job analysis methods as the authors further point out include but they are not limited to the utilization of questionnaires and interviews. For this particular task, I observed news reporters both on television and in the field as they went about their daily routines. In this case, I largely concerned myself with the tasks they were performing and the kinds of skills they were making use of. Below are the notes I took.

Job Analysis

Job Title: News Reporter

Duties Performed

1. Covering events such as talent shows, national celebrations, football matches and other sporting events, etc.

2. Attending press conferences

3.Interviewing people in an attempt to collect relevant information and seek clarification regarding certain issues.

4. Investigating and developing stories out of happenings like scandals, crimes, etc.

5. Researching topics that could interest or entertain viewers (or readers when it comes to print journalism).

Key Skills Required

1. News-gathering expertise

2. Broad knowledge of local, national, as well as global issues

3. Ability to communicate clearly in both the spoken word and in writing

4. Computer literate

Personal Attributes Required

1. Patience

2. Ability to work under pressure

3. Excellent memory

4. A good sense of humor would help

5. Confidence and self-motivation

Job Analysis: Its Utilization Within an Organization

The job analysis I develop above could come in handy in the development of a job description and specification -- key human resource objectives. A job description seeks to highlight a given position's responsibilities, tasks, as well as working conditions. On the other hand, a job specification attempts to define the specific characteristics that employees need to have to perform the job efficiently. In an organizational setting, the above job analysis could also be used to formulate performance standards. It is also important to note that the organization could use the information it derives from the job analysis for job enrichment and combination, as well as for training purposes.

An Evaluation of the Reliability and Validity of My Job Analysis

From the onset, it should be noted that the method of job analysis I chose to make use of is relatively simple and straightforward. Unlike the other methods such as questionnaires, the observation method does not involve the tedious task of aggregating the information collected from employees. It should however be noted that in some instances, the results produced courtesy of this method may not be genuine. This is more so the case given that due to the fact that different individuals observe and interpret things differently, there is a likelihood of personal bias creeping in. Further, in the words of Mathis and Jackson (2012), "use.....