What is the process of determining the skills, duties, and knowledge required for performing jobs?

The process of determining the skills, duties, and knowledge required for performing jobs is known as job analysis. This process involves collecting data about the job's functions, responsibilities, work environment, and the qualifications needed to perform the job effectively. Job analysis serves as a basis for creating job descriptions, which outline the specific tasks and responsibilities associated with a particular position.

In job analysis, different methods such as interviews, surveys, and observations can be employed to gather pertinent information about the job and its requirements. This understanding is crucial for various HR functions such as recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluation, and compensation. It ensures that organizations clearly comprehend what is expected from employees in different roles and helps in aligning workforce competencies with organizational needs.

While job evaluation focuses on assessing the value of a job in relation to others for pay structures, job design is more about structuring the tasks and responsibilities in a way that enhances efficiency and satisfaction. Job description is the output of job analysis that summarizes the key elements of the job but does not include the process of determining these elements. Therefore, job analysis is the foundational process that informs all these other HR activities.