Final answer:
The correct answer is option c. The Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) is criticized for neglecting specific job tasks, thereby making it less suitable for specialized or managerial roles. It is vital for job analyses to reflect the actual requirements of the job to prevent skewed hiring decisions due to biases or statistical discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the major criticisms of the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) is that it ignores the specific job tasks. The PAQ is intended to gather detailed information regarding a job in order to understand its requirements and to assess candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). However, due to its generic nature, it might not capture the unique tasks and responsibilities of specific jobs, especially those that are highly specialized or managerial. This limit could make the PAQ less practical for roles that are not adequately defined by general characteristics.
Effective job analysis is crucial because it influences hiring decisions. Even though job analyses should align with the requirements of the position, in reality, hiring is also affected by factors such as interviewers' biases or candidates' physical appearance, which can lead to decisions not entirely based on the job analysis.
Conversely, statistical discrimination and other imperfect signals of a candidate's productivity can lead employers to make unfounded judgments during the selection process. For instance, an employer might favor a male candidate over a female candidate for a carpentry job due to misguided stereotypes rather than the actual KSAs of the individuals. This showcases the limitations of relying on incomplete information for hiring decisions and the importance of objective job analysis tools.