Task Interdependence and the Theory of Job Design

Abstract

In this article I develop the concept of task interdependence and integrate it in the blackman and Oldham [1976] theory of job design. I differentiate between initiated and received task interdependence according to the direction of workflow in relation to the job incumbent. Each of these dimensions includes the elements of scope, resources, and criticality. Experienced responsibility for one's own work outcomes is differentiated from experienced responsibility for dependents' work outcomes. Testable hypotheses derived from the elaborated theory are set forth.