Observation Method

Oxford dictionary defines observation (noun) as the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone. The keywords of this definition are closely observing or monitoring. 

The idea of observation method in job analysis absolutely has the same meaning as Oxford Dictionary defines. When a job analyst observes an employee as the research subject, the job analyst has to monitor, watch, and record the behaviors of research subject without any direct contact.  

The data recorded includes:

1.      all the employee’s performed and non-performed tasks,

2.      fulfilled and un-fulfilled responsibilities and duties, methods, ways and skills applied by the employee to perform various duties;

3.      mental or emotional ability/skills to handle the challenges, risks, and conditions.

Before you decide whether to apply this method, take a look at the followings advantages and disadvantages of observation method.

Advantages:

1.      First-hand information: With Direct Observation, the trained job analyst can obtain first-hand knowledge and information about the job being analyzed. Without any delays, the job analyst could find out anything that happens to the employee. 

2.      Simple to use: No need further tools to collect data. Just you and your equipments to write/record the information. 

3.      Verifies data from other sources: To clarify the existing data regarding the responsibilities, skills, scopes, etc toward the research subject. To confirm what the employee does against the existing information.

4.      Useful for manual and psycho-motor tasks: Observation method is beneficial for jobs that involve manual and psycho-motor tasks such as:

a.         Machine Operator

b.         Construction Worker

c.          Police Officer/Patrol Officer

d.         Flight Attendant

e.         Bus Driver

f.           Housekeeper/Janitor

g.         Skilled Crafts Worker

While the disadvantages are: 

1.      Time consuming: The job analyst could only observe when the employee is available to work. And the duration of observing merely depends on the schedule of the employee.

2.       May bias employee’s performance: When he is informed that a job analyst will come to observe, the employee will normally prepared all the best he can. He is trying to impress the job analyst, he will do things that he regularly does not. Well, this kind of behavior might happen although there are employees who are not bothered by the presence of a job analyst.

3.      Small sample size: The data collected is simply from the employee being observed. The job analyst cannot hope to get lots of data if he only has limited numbers of research subjects.

4.      Requires skilled observer: Every job analyst has his/her own way of observing the employee. Different job analyst think and interpret the findings in different ways. Who can guarantee that every job analyst has the same capabilities? 

5.      Validity & reliability may be problematic: This is related to point number two, it may bias employee’s performance. The presence of a job analyst may affect the employee causing the employee to change and alter their normal work behavior. It is important for the job analysts to be unobtrusive in their observations. The employees may alter their work behavior if they know they are being observed. 

6.      Not useful for jobs consisting of mostly mental tasks: This is related to the advantages number 4. It is easy to observe jobs that require physical activities. We can match the behaviors with the written and guided instructions. However, how can analyze jobs that demand critical thinking? It’s quite difficult then.

Well, I myself have an interesting experience with this observation method. This experience is not about my job as a job analyst instead as the employee being observed. 

I used to work as an English Teacher and regularly teachers are observed by the supervisor to maintain their teaching quality. As a rookie, being observed was not totally fun. Having your own boss watching you was not comfortable at all. We, the teachers, have nick names for those supervisors. We call them “The Fault Finders”.

Yes, they always try to find our faults. The most annoying part is when they pointed our mistakes. In order to avoid being humiliated by the supervisor, I always prepared my best right before I was being observed. I prepared more exercises, more games, and better lesson plan to students. Slowly the “Fault Finders” found my mistakes lesser and lesser :).

As time passed by I learn that the presence of a supervisor in my class is not bad at all. Instead their coming to my class is so valuable in telling me what I should do and what I shouldn’t do. The result? I improve my teaching skills. So, do you think this observation method is beneficial?