JOB CHARACTERISTICS MODEL (JCM)

Either as an alternative or a supplement to various reward programs, managers can consider redesigning jobs to make them more motivating. OB researchers Richard Hackman from Harvard University and Greg Oldham from the

University of Illinois explored the nature of good jobs through their job characteristics model (JCM). The

JCM identifies five core job dimensions and their relationship to personal and work outcomes. Building on Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory, the JCM focuses on the content of jobs, rather than the context of jobs and can be considered as a way of motivating employees and increasing job satisfaction.

Job enrichment, an application of the JCM, refers to the vertical expansion of jobs. It increases the degree to which employees control the planning, execution, and evaluation of their work. An enriched job organizes tasks so that an employee does a complete activity. It expands employees’ freedom and independence, increases responsibility, and provides feedback, so individuals will be able to assess and correct their own performance.