With regard to structural correspondence, work characteristics that
are aligned with the reinforcement properties associated with achievement and independence are more likely to emerge. This would include
work characteristics that are associated with accomplishment from the
work tasks themselves (achievement) as well as self-control and initiative in performing work tasks (independence). Work characteristics that
fall within the task domain are those most closely aligned with these
occupational values. Task characteristics are concerned with the nature
and scope of the work itself. Task characteristics directly relate to how
work is performed and the tasks composing a job and thus arise from the
task environment (Morgeson & Humphrey, 2006, 2008). When present
in one’s work, task characteristics are related to an increased sense of
responsibility for the work itself (Humphrey et al., 2007). This suggests
the extent to which occupations provide reinforcement for ownership and
accomplishment of work tasks will promote or constrain the emergence
of task characteristics. That is, the occupational values of achievement
and independence are most relevant to task characteristics because they
indicate whether or not occupations offer more or less opportunities for
these work characteristics to arise and be reinforced.