The Job Characteristics Model is associated with which researchers?

• A. Herzberg and McClelland
• B. Hackman and Oldham
• C. Maslow and Alderfer
• D. McGregor and Mayo

Answer: (B)

Understanding who developed the Job Characteristics Model helps you see how job design can boost motivation. Hackman and Oldham proposed the model, showing that five core job dimensions—skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback—shape three psychological states: meaningfulness, responsibility for outcomes, and knowledge of results. When these states are strong, employees become more intrinsically motivated, perform better, and feel more satisfied with their work. The other scholars listed are known for different theories—Herzberg and McClelland for two-factor and achievement motivations, Maslow and Alderfer for needs theories, and McGregor and Mayo for Theory X/Y and Hawthorne effects. Therefore, Hackman and Oldham are the researchers associated with the Job Characteristics Model.