A cluster analysis of office operations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify clusters of similar elemental operations in a sample of office jobs, and to develop a modification of the Tryon Cluster Analysis technique for use with a large number of variables. Using completed Job Description Check-Lists of Office Operations from 112 office jobs, the intercorrelations for 79 selected check-list items were computed. A modification of the Tryon Cluster Analysis technique was developed and used to identify 8 clusters of office operations. The clusters, or components of work, identified were Typing, Listing and Compilation, Communication, Planning and Supervision, Filing, Stock Handling, Routine Clerical Operations, and Calculation. A procedural outline for performing a cluster analysis with a large number of variables is written. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)