The Job Characteristics Model was devised by which two scholars?

• A. Maslow and Alderfer
• B. Hackman and Oldham
• C. Porter and Kramer
• D. Bandura and Skinner

Answer: (B)

The Job Characteristics Model explains how the design of a job influences motivation and job satisfaction, and it was developed by Hackman and Oldham. The model identifies five core dimensions of a job: skill variety (using a range of skills), task identity (complete a whole, identifiable piece of work), task significance (impact on others or the organization), autonomy (freedom in deciding how to do the work), and feedback (receiving direct, clear information about performance). These dimensions shape three psychological states in workers: the experienced meaningfulness of the work, the experienced responsibility for outcomes, and the knowledge of the actual results of the work. When these states are present, individuals are more motivated, perform better, and feel more satisfied with their jobs. The other pairs—Maslow and Alderfer (needs-based theories), Bandura and Skinner (learning and behavior theories), Porter and Kramer (shared value and competitive advantage)—are associated with different frameworks, not the Job Characteristics Model.