Job Design from an Alternative Perspective
Paula W. Potter Western Kentucky University
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore a theoretical aspect of job design in a way that departs from the dominant paradigm. The functionalist perspective is regarded as the dominant paradigm in the study of organizations (Burrell & Morgan, 1979). Scientists working within the functionalist framework, in their effort to predict and control, rely on the scientific method for analysis and explanation of phenomenon. An alternative manner of analysis may help researchers gain a better understanding of job design from the standpoint of the participant. One alternative way to look at job design is from the interpretivist perspective that constitutes the focus of this paper. First, job design is defined from the functionalist perspective. Next we will turn to the interpretivist perspective for suggestions on analysis of job design. The paper then includes theorization about job design from the interpretivist perspective. Following the theorization are excerpts from journal articles that represent suggestions for analysis of job design from the interpretivist perspective.
Key Words: Job design, analysis, interpretivist, functionalist