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What is Job Classification?

Job classification


Job classification

Job classification is a systematic process which involves grouping the jobs according to their similarities. In this process jobs are compared in terms of their characteristics and those jobs with the similar responsibilities, tasks, complexity as well as similar required skills, knowledge, and abilities (SKA) are grouped together. The aim is to determine the authority of the jobs and ranking them in an organizational hierarchy. It also aims at determining and setting the salary range to each position in an organization. However, when classifying the jobs the hr managers don't look over the knowledge, skills and ability of the job holders, but the knowledge, skills and ability needed to perform the jobs. 

The purpose of job classification

The main purpose of job classification is to Identify the responsibilities, roles and SKA required in a job and evaluate a fairly compensation to each employee in each position within an organization. Other purposes include to identify training needs, to Identify job specifications and to hire a right person in a right position.

1. To Identify training needs

Since job classification involves determination of essential skills required in a job, employers can identify whether employees have essential skills, knowledge and ability the positions or they need to be trained. 

2. To evaluate a fairly pay rate

By classifying the jobs employers can identify complex jobs, important jobs and related jobs in an organization. This can helps them to set a fairly pay in each position. 

3. To identify specifications of a job

Job are classified based on required skills, knowledge and ability. Thus, job classification can be used by employers as a way to identify the qualifications an employee should possess in order to fit in a job.

4. To hire a right person

Another purpose for job classification is to recruit and place a right employee in a right position, this is accompanied by the required qualifications of the jobs such as skills and knowledge identified during classification process. 

5. To categorize and grade the jobs

Job classification can also be used to categorize jobs and rank them according to their characteristics within an organization.

Steps of job classification

According to Pelago the process of classifying jobs pass through five steps which are; 
  1. Determining the job’s purpose and the essential functions (roles) of the position. 
  2. Determining the qualifications required for the position.
  3. Determining the wage or salary for the position.
  4. Determining the classifications and levels for the position.
  5. Updating the job classification system. 

Job classification vs job evaluation

Job classification is sometimes confused with job evaluation but these two terminologies are different, though have close meanings. Job classification is a process of categorizing jobs into groups according to their responsibilities, required knowledge and skills, while job evaluation is a process of evaluating a value of a job by comparing it with other jobs, this can be done by using different methods including point factor, factor comparison, job ranking and job classification. In this case, job classification is one of methods of job evaluation.

From this article
SKA - An acronym for knowledge, skills and ability.

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