Final answer:
Job evaluation involves ranking jobs based on their value to the firm. It's done to establish fair compensation and job structure within an organization. The correct answer to the question is, therefore, option (a).
Step-by-step explanation:
Job evaluation refers to the systematic process of determining the relative worth or value of jobs within an organization to establish fair compensation and structure. When we look at the options provided:
- a. ranking all jobs according to their value to the firm - This is indeed what job evaluation typically involves. Positions are ranked or graded based on criteria such as the complexity of tasks, skills required, and responsibilities.
- b. surveying the market - This pertains more to market pricing or salary surveys, which can inform but is not synonymous with job evaluation.
- c. establishing the skill level of each employee - This is more related to performance evaluation or assessment rather than job evaluation.
- d. determining how well a job is performed - Again, this is indicative of performance appraisal, and is focused on the individual, not the job itself.
Based on the definitions above, the correct answer to the question "which of the following refers to job evaluation?" is a. ranking all jobs according to their value to the firm.