Job Evaluation

Abstract

Job evaluation is a technique which seeks to provide a logical basis for the setting of comparative pay rates. The methods used originated in America over 35 years ago and most job evaluation plans are adaptations of the three original ones described in this paper. A new technique has been evolved in Britain recently which is very akin to job evaluation but far more sophisticated in its approach. As far as is known, this technique has only been tried in a limited way at one firm so that only a brief mention is made of it, despite its obvious interest.

Like a lot of other modern management techniques, job evaluation can do more harm than good unless human nature is taken into account. A man still wants to be regarded as a unique individual and so resents any attempt to fit him into a cold scientific pattern.

Success in job evaluation, therefore, depends largely on the personalities of those responsible and on the creation of mutual trust between management and men.