Which job-design approach adds higher-order motivating factors into a job, including responsibility, freedom, growth opportunities, recognition, and achievement?

Which job-design approach adds higher-order motivating factors into a job, including responsibility, freedom, growth opportunities, recognition, and achievement?

• A. Job enrichment
• B. Job enlargement
• C. Job simplification
• D. Just-in-time

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how to design a job to boost internal motivation by making the work itself more meaningful and self-directed. This is achieved through job enrichment, which adds higher-order motivating factors into the role—namely, more responsibility, greater freedom to decide how to complete tasks, opportunities for growth, and opportunities for recognition and achievement. By giving people real influence over their work, chances to develop new skills, and acknowledgement of their accomplishments, the job becomes intrinsically rewarding. In contrast, other approaches don’t add these depth factors. Job enlargement expands the set of tasks but at the same level of complexity, which can increase workload without enhancing meaningful engagement. Job simplification reduces complexity and autonomy, typically decreasing motivation. Just-in-time is about streamlining production processes and inventory, not about altering how a job is designed for motivation.

The idea being tested is how to design a job to boost internal motivation by making the work itself more meaningful and self-directed. This is achieved through job enrichment, which adds higher-order motivating factors into the role—namely, more responsibility, greater freedom to decide how to complete tasks, opportunities for growth, and opportunities for recognition and achievement. By giving people real influence over their work, chances to develop new skills, and acknowledgement of their accomplishments, the job becomes intrinsically rewarding.

In contrast, other approaches don’t add these depth factors. Job enlargement expands the set of tasks but at the same level of complexity, which can increase workload without enhancing meaningful engagement. Job simplification reduces complexity and autonomy, typically decreasing motivation. Just-in-time is about streamlining production processes and inventory, not about altering how a job is designed for motivation.