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Jennifer Ezeh
Professor Ledger
HRPO 1311
17 September 2023
Job Design for a College Student
Designing a college student's job according to the Job Characteristics Model involves
considering five core dimensions: skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and
feedback. (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 114) Each dimension can be tailored to enhance the student's
motivation, engagement, and overall success in their academic endeavors.
Skill Variety:
For a college student enrolled in Human Relations 1311, for example, a variety of skills
will be engaged:
Critical Thinking and Analysis: This course requires students to critically evaluate
theories and concepts related to human behavior in organizations. They will learn to analyze
various factors influencing employee behavior and organizational dynamics (Bauer and Erdogan,
p. 104).
Communication Skills: Students will develop effective communication skills through
discussions, group projects, and presentations. They will learn to express their ideas clearly and
persuasively, an essential skill in any professional setting (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 125).
Teamwork and Collaboration: The course will provide opportunities for students to work
in teams, fostering collaboration, and interpersonal skills. This mirrors the real-world scenario
where employees often collaborate on projects (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 134).
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Task Identity:
In Human Relations, students will have the opportunity to complete various assignments
that showcase their individual contribution:
Research Papers and Presentations: Students will be tasked with researching and
presenting on topics related to organizational behavior. This allows them to take ownership of
their work, from initial research to final presentation, providing a sense of task identity (Bauer
and Erdogan, p. 147).
Case Analyses: Analyzing real-world cases allows students to see the impact of
organizational behavior concepts in practice. “Each case analysis provides an identifiable piece
of work that students can take responsibility for, enhancing task identity.” (Bauer and Erdogan,
p. 149).
Task Significance:
The assignments in this class will hold significance for the future success of students:
Application to Real-world Scenarios: Understanding organizational behavior is critical
for success in any workplace. The concepts learned in this course directly apply to how
individuals and groups function within organizations, which is invaluable knowledge for future
careers (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 109).
Enhanced Interpersonal Skills: The course emphasizes the importance of effective
communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork - all of which are essential for success in any
professional setting (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 125).
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Autonomy:
This class provides opportunities for students to exercise autonomy in their learning
process:
Choice of Research Topics: Students have the autonomy to choose research topics that
align with their interests and career goals. This allows them to take control of their learning and
explore areas of particular relevance to them (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 99).
Class Participation and Discussions: Students have the freedom to express their opinions
and engage in class discussions. This fosters a sense of ownership over their learning experience
and encourages active participation (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 127).
Feedback:
Feedback in this class is designed to support and enhance the learning experience:
Assignment Feedback: Throughout the course, students receive feedback on assignments,
allowing them to gauge their understanding and make improvements. This feedback loop is
crucial for learning and growth (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 127).
Peer and Instructor Feedback: The course encourages peer evaluations and discussions,
providing students with multiple perspectives on their work. This multi-source feedback helps
students develop a well-rounded understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement
(Bauer and Erdogan, p. 128).
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Analysis of the Model
This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful tasks related
to understanding and improving human behavior within organizations. It aligns with the “key
mechanism of experienced meaningfulness, which is essential for positive employee attitudes
and behaviors.” (Bauer and Erdogan, p. 100).
The assignments in the course also allows students to take ownership of their work and
recognize the significance of their contributions to the understanding of organizational behavior.
This enhances their sense of responsibility and the perceived impact of their work (Bauer and
Erdogan, p. 147).
I would take this class because it offers students a valuable learning experience that
promotes motivation, engagement, and the development of essential skills for future success in
the workplace.
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Works Cited:
Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2019). Essentials of Organizational Behavior.