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Job design research and theory: Past, present and future

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  • Oldham, Greg R.
  • Fried, Yitzhak

Abstract

This article reviews the research and theory that have focused on the design of jobs in organizations. We begin by summarizing some of the earliest work on this topic and then move to a discussion of several approaches to job design that attempted to address the shortcomings of this work. Next, we discuss several streams of contemporary research that have expanded the scope or deepened our understanding of job design. We conclude with a discussion of some future directions for research with an emphasis on job crafting, the effects of new work arrangements on the design of jobs, generational differences and reactions to job design, cultural differences and job design, and the impact of job design on organizational structures and employees’ personal characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Oldham, Greg R. & Fried, Yitzhak, 2016. "Job design research and theory: Past, present and future," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 20-35.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:136:y:2016:i:c:p:20-35
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2016.05.002
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    13. Sugumar Mariappanadar & Wayne A. Hochwarter, 2022. "A Three-Way Synergistic Effect of Work on Employee Well-Being: Human Sustainability Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-21, November.
    14. Marie Komagata & Yukie Takemura & Naoko Ichikawa & Kimie Takehara & Keiko Kunie, 2020. "Quality of work among part‐time nurses and its relationship to job satisfaction and work values: A cross‐sectional study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(4), pages 1010-1021, December.
    15. Piia Seppälä & Lotta K. Harju & Jari J. Hakanen, 2020. "Interactions of Approach and Avoidance Job Crafting and Work Engagement: A Comparison between Employees Affected and Not Affected by Organizational Changes," Post-Print hal-03188191, HAL.
    16. Lin, Xiao Song & Chen, Zhen Xiong & Ashford, Susan J. & Lee, Cynthia & Qian, Jing, 2018. "A self-consistency motivation analysis of employee reactions to job insecurity: The roles of organization-based self-esteem and proactive personality," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 168-178.
    17. Patchara Popaitoon, 2022. "Fostering Work Meaningfulness for Sustainable Human Resources: A Study of Generation Z," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-13, March.
    18. Leyer, Michael & Schneider, Sabrina, 2021. "Decision augmentation and automation with artificial intelligence: Threat or opportunity for managers?," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 64(5), pages 711-724.
    19. Eunice N. Wandiga & James M. Kilika & Rosemary James, 2017. "Firm Performance in the Context of Knowledge Based Intensive Sector: A Theoretical Review," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(8), pages 234-234, July.
    20. Jodi Oakman & Katrina A. Lambert & Victoria P. Weale & Rwth Stuckey & Melissa Graham, 2023. "Employees Working from Home: Do Leadership Factors Influence Work-Related Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11, February.
    21. Piia Seppälä & Lotta Harju & Jari J. Hakanen, 2020. "Interactions of Approach and Avoidance Job Crafting and Work Engagement: A Comparison between Employees Affected and Not Affected by Organizational Changes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-20, December.

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