Chapter 13: Job and Work Evaluation: A Literature Review

Source: Heneman, R.L. (in press). Job and Work Evaluation: A Literature Review. Public Personnel Management. Reprinted with permission from Public Personnel Management and the International Personnel Management Association.

Classification and job evaluation systems have come under attack in the public sector. A literature review was conducted to help public sector human resource professionals make informed decisions about whether or not to change or even abandon traditional classification and job evaluation systems for compensation purposes. It is concluded that traditional classification and job evaluation procedures continue to have relevance in public sector settings. However, current classification and job evaluation systems need to be broadened to adapt to the changing nature of work in public sector organizations. Recommendations to shift the focus from “job” to “work” evaluation are offered.