The job characteristics approach to task design: A critical review

Abstract

Reviews the development of the job characteristics approach of J. R. Hackman and E. E. Lawler (see record 1971-29858-001 ) and of Hackman and G. R. Oldham (see PA, Vols 54:02031 and 57:02075) to task design and evaluates subsequent research relevant to that model. Theoretical statements of the model are not considered entirely clear, the associated empirical work is seen to frequently fail to test the relations discussed, and adequate multimethod instruments were not found for the assessment of several constructs. It is suggested (1) that future task design research should attend to alternative theoretical perspectives that distinguish between situational attributes of tasks and incumbent cognitions about those attributes and (2) that tasks and employee responses to both types of task-relevant constructs should be examined in the organizational contexts in which they occur. (150 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)