Compare and contrast the job characteristics model and mutual ...

[JGIBBSON]

Compare and contrast the job characteristics model and mutual assistance programs in terms of how they lend meaning to an employee's role.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Nancy is a part of a group at work that stresses collective goals and performance. Nancy is amazed at how well the members of the team use their skills to benefit themselves and their team members.
 
  Whenever a problem arises, the team, as a whole, works to provide reasons and solutions. She enjoys working in this group as there is a lot of positive energy. This group that Nancy is a part of is a work group.
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false

[enass]

Answer to Question 1

The first three dimensions of the job characteristics modelskill variety, task identity, and task significancecombine to create meaningful work the incumbent will view as important, valuable, and worthwhile. To be high on motivating potential, jobs must be high on at least one of the three factors that lead to experienced meaningfulness and high on both autonomy and feedback. By emphasizing the relationship between the employee and his or her work, this model represents a relatively individualistic manner of enhancing the meaningful nature of work. On the other hand, we have mutual assistance programs which represent a fairly social method for improving the meaningfulness of work. Employees who can help each other directly through their work come to see themselves, and the organizations for which they work, in more positive, pro-social terms. This, in turn, can increase employee affective commitment.

Answer to Question 2

FALSE
Explanation: Nancy is a part of a work team. A work team generates positive synergy through coordinated effort. The individual efforts result in a level of performance greater than the sum of those individual inputs.