Job Evaluation: Theory and Practice (Part 1)

Abstract

This is the first of two articles concerned with the theory and practical use of methods of job evaluation. In this article the links between job evaluation and wages are examined together with the problems involved in work analysis and description which are important components in any job evalution programme. There are numerous job evaluation methods which, to a greater or lesser extent, have had some practical application over the years. In this article the more recently developed schemes are examined in some detail. The second article will examine the criteria an organisation might consider important in determining what method, if any, it should adopt for use in its job evaluation programme. The perennial question of custom built or ready made methods will be examined as will the ever important question of costs and beneits both in a monetary sense and also in terms of staff relationships. In addition, the links between work analysis and description, job evaluation and other elements involved in human resource management will also be discussed.