Criteria for Task Statements

- Contains an action verb and object of the action

- Clearly reflects observable worker performance

- May contain one or more relevant qualifiers, but omit unnecessary

qualifiers such as effectively, efficiently, correctly, accurately

- Is explicit, precise, and stands alone

- Avoids reference to knowledge, skills, attitudes, or abilities that

merely support task performance

- Avoids reference to tools or equipment that merely support task

performance. The use of tools in and of themselves is not a task,

but a means of performing the task.

- Reflects terminology used on the job

- Avoids use of double verbs such as "remove and repair." Use the

more inclusive of the two, which is "repair."

- Should contain as few words as possible (usually a maximum of

eight) while being completely descriptive. Often, two or three

words are sufficient

To obtain a task statement, ask

questions such as:

Emphasize the need for task

What tasks are associated with this

statements that clearly reflect

duty area?

observable worker performance

If you were the boss, you would

give direction to a worker by

rather than elements of a task or the

saying, "We need you to

knowledge, skills or attitudes

" (task statement)

involved in performing the task.

What requests for your services

would customers have?

If participants suggest a statement that is an element or a knowledge or skill

(rather than a task), respond by asking:

Why does the worker need to do that?

Why does the worker need to know that?

What does the worker do with that knowledge?

Is this a trainable event?

Table-Top Job Analysis

Rev 1: December 22, 1994

Facilitator Guide

5480.20 Seminar Series

120