Final answer:
A job analysis is the process of studying a job in detail to identify its duties and skill requirements. It uses observation, surveys, and interviews to gather information essential for creating accurate job descriptions and for the selection process in hiring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of a job to identify in detail the job duties and skill requirements is called a job analysis. This process involves methods such as observation, surveys, and interviews to understand the responsibilities and skills needed for a specific job. Observations allow one to see what skills are apparent in someone proficient in a position. Interviews with those currently holding the position, as well as with their peers and supervisors, help to obtain a consensus on what is required on the job.
Job analysis is a critical aspect of Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology, especially in selecting the right employees for the right jobs. It can be task-oriented or worker-oriented - the latter being known as job specification, which identifies the necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). The information obtained from job analysis forms the basis for job descriptions and interviews.
Accuracy and reliability of a job analysis may vary depending on how it is conducted. Research indicates that analyses can be less reliable when solely based on the incumbent's description of the job. To mitigate this issue and improve the selection process for matching applicants with job requirements, databases such as O*Net provide extensive resources on job analyses.