Job analysis and its positive impact on key recruitment and selection processes : a case study

Abstract EN

Following a Functional Job Analysis methodology in which job duties and job specifications were initially identified, key Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAO’s) were extracted from critical statements using task statements and task inventory for a Canadian National Occupational job classification requisite position.

The KSAO’s were further differentiated on the basis of Tasks, Context and Counter-productive behavioral components.

A Performance Appraisal tool was developed based on an Absolute Rating System using Graphical Rating Scalesaligned to the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes derived from job analysis.

Job Performance Dimensions were explained for each of the task, contextual and counter-productive behaviors in terms of what each dimension meant in the context of the job; with a definition given for each job dimension including verbal anchors attached to a numerical scale with appropriate instructions for making a response.

The recruitment action plan developed was then based on the Organizational and KSAO’s derived from the Job Analysisusing a structured questionnaire.Findings show that an effective direct linkage can be established between Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes derived as a result of job analysis and a performance management system and with a Recruitment Action Plan, causing a critical alignment leading to effective selection and recruitment decisions, promotion and performance decision as well as many other important Human Resource related decision based on objective job related criteria.

The processes adopted in this research illustrate to Managers how an effective Recruitment system along with valid selection instruments can be developed based on an objective and a legally defensible job analysis demonstrating how systematic selection decisions can be made, including a better aligned performance management tool and a recruitment action planbased on approaches adopted in this research.