Skill Variety

Definition

Skill variety refers to the degree to which a job requires a range of different skills and talents to perform tasks. This concept is central to job design as it influences employee motivation, satisfaction, and overall performance by ensuring that workers are engaged and challenged. A job with high skill variety often leads to greater creativity and problem-solving, making it an essential aspect in designing effective roles within an organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Higher skill variety can lead to increased job satisfaction and lower employee turnover, as workers feel more fulfilled and engaged in their roles.
2. Jobs that incorporate a wide range of skills often result in better problem-solving abilities because employees are trained to think in diverse ways.
3. Skill variety is one of the core dimensions of the Job Characteristics Model, which links job design to employee motivation and performance.
4. Organizations that foster skill variety in their workforce tend to experience improved innovation and creativity, as employees bring different perspectives to their work.
5. To effectively implement skill variety, organizations may adopt practices like cross-training or job enrichment initiatives that empower employees with diverse skills.

Review Questions

• How does skill variety influence employee motivation within an organization?
  • Skill variety significantly impacts employee motivation by providing individuals with diverse tasks that engage their different abilities. When employees are able to utilize various skills in their work, they feel more challenged and stimulated. This increased engagement often translates into higher levels of motivation, as workers are less likely to experience boredom and more likely to find their roles meaningful.
• What role does skill variety play in enhancing job design according to the Job Characteristics Model?
  • In the Job Characteristics Model, skill variety is a critical factor that contributes to meaningful work. It enhances job design by allowing employees to engage in different activities, which promotes a sense of achievement and competence. When jobs have high skill variety, employees can see the broader impact of their work, thus increasing their intrinsic motivation and satisfaction.
• Evaluate the potential challenges organizations may face when attempting to implement high skill variety in jobs and suggest solutions.
  • While implementing high skill variety can lead to significant benefits, organizations might face challenges such as resistance from employees who are accustomed to routine tasks or difficulties in training staff for multiple roles. To address these issues, organizations can gradually introduce skill variety through structured training programs and create a culture that values continuous learning. Additionally, encouraging feedback can help ensure employees feel supported throughout the transition, making them more receptive to embracing new challenges.

Related terms

Job Enrichment: A motivational strategy that enhances a job's depth by increasing the variety of tasks and responsibilities, allowing employees to take on more challenging roles.

Task Identity:

The degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work, allowing employees to see the outcome of their efforts.

Job Rotation: A management technique that involves moving employees between different tasks to promote skill variety, reduce monotony, and increase engagement.