JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Using Relative Weights to Reanalyze Research on the Job
Characteristics Model
Author(s): Scott J. Behson
Citation: Scott J. Behson, (2012) "Using Relative Weights to Reanalyze Research on the Job
Characteristics Model," Journal of Organizational Psychology, Vol. 12, Iss. 2, pp. 71 - 81
Article Type: Research paper
Publisher: North American Business Press
Abstract:
In this study, I re-analyze data from a meta-analysis of research on the job characteristics model
(Hackman & Oldham, 1980), using relative weights analysis (Johnson, 2001). This analytic technique is
particularly well-suited for analyses in which one wants to most accurately determine the proportion of
explained variance in a dependent variable among several independent variables, while avoiding
common problems with traditional regression analysis. Some of the results of this re-analysis run counter
to the established predictions of the job characteristics model, indicating that this classic model of job
design and intrinsic motivation could benefit from further research and rethinking.