Managing People

Stretching the Job Description

1. In what way does stretching the job description like that described here both
strengthen and weaken job incumbents.

Stretching job descriptions are common during an economic downturn, it's a choice
between having a job with dual or multiple responsibilities and losing it all. We can say
that during moments of crisis, fixed cost reduction becomes imperative and labor is
one of the biggest fixed costs of an organization. In countries like the Philippines job
stretching is more of a factor of economics rather than human resources. The stretch
may be seen as a double edge sword. It may strengthen or weaken job incumbents
and the organization depending on the type of industry and level of accountability, it's
a critical balancing act in executing the new job design.

Motivational Approach

In this type of issue, morale of the employees should be kept high. Dual
responsibilities are a tricky situation particularly, if risks and accountabilities are high.
It is important that the right model is used in order to provide positive results. In this
case, the best model to use is the Motivational Approach. This model on how job design
affects employee reactions is the “Job Characteristics Model” described in terms of
skill variety, autonomy, feedback and task significance. These job characteristics are
the motivating factors that affect three psychological states, “experienced
meaningfulness”, “responsibility” and “knowledge of results”. (Human Resource
Management, 9th ed. Noe et.al) On the positive note, it is expected to result in higher
quantity and quality of work as well as higher levels of job satisfaction. However, it may
lead to negative effects particularly for working mothers if not done correctly with much
analysis and compassion. “Pressure to work late, to take work home, to leave work
early to care for the sick child, to spend more time travelling, and to frequently relocate
in order to advance in one’s career, are a few examples of sources of role conflict
between work and family.” (Work Life Harmony: An Exploratory Case of EntrePinays,
D.M. Edralin 2013).

Pierangelo A. Dominguez, DBA 104

 Managing People
Stretching the Job Description

The Downstream Oil Industry in Crisis

Currently the oil and gas downstream industry (refining and selling) is at a
downside with the discovery of US shale oil and the US-China trade war. The US is
not anymore OPEC dependent with respect to its crude requirements, which is 30% of
global production. As a result, there is a surplus of crude finished products, which is
basically fuel. Imported fuel is selling at US$ 2.00 whereas locally refined crude is at
US$ 4.00. (source oilprice.com). The more you sell, the more you lose so to speak.
There is currently a massive lay-off in the industry, the once lucrative business of the
downstream industry is challenged, it is better to import fuel than to run a refinery. The
Motivational Approach is the key to keep the business running to strengthen the
incumbents, so they will remain strong loyal and dedicated amidst a crisis. In an
industry that is “rocket science” so to speak, employees are taking multiple jobs,
accountabilities and risks are high both for technical and commercial. But since
incumbents are highly skilled and highly trained, as long as they are motivated,
operations will continue running at optimum. HR communication plans must be
carefully laid out to eliminate speculations leading to weak employee morale, which
will eventually weaken job incumbents.

2. In what way does stretching the job description like that described here both
strengthen and weaken the competitive position of companies that engage in
this practice.

Motivation is a very powerful organizational psychological tool a motivated person

can work walk the extra mile because he wants to do a good job and feels good doing
it. A highly motivated employee can do multiple jobs well thus strengthening the
competitive position of the company. Coupled with the right skill and training it can be
a “lean and mean” organization. There is however a need to analyze carefully the job
analysis of doing the stretch. Where there is responsibility there should be
accountability. And accountability must be properly compensated. It is understandable

Pierangelo A. Dominguez, DBA 104

 Managing People
Stretching the Job Description

to do a job description stretch in moments of crisis as it means the survivability of the

company.

When is too much stretch, too much?

Depending on the industry and the level of training and skill of employees, a stretch
maybe good for the incumbents because they learn more skills. However, if the stretch
results in errors, opportunity losses and costs associated with the stretched job
description then management must act fast to reassign and prioritize. Otherwise, there
will be continuous inefficiency resulting to more losses, which will weaken the
company’s competitive position worst case is to result in employee burn out, which
could result in the resignation of incumbents. It is neither just nor human so to grind
men down with excessive labor as to stupefy their minds and wear out their bodies.
(42 Rerum Novarum 1891) Employers must also be honest with the real financial
position of the company, and compensate stretched incumbents so as not to lead to
exploitation. This is an obligation as stated by law. The State shall promote and
develop a tax-exempt employees’ compensation program whereby employees and
their dependents, in the event of work-connected disability or death, may promptly
secure adequate income benefit and medical related benefits. (Labor Code of the
Philippines, Art 166, Employees Compensation and State Insurance Fund).

3. In what way does stretching the job description like this negatively affect society
and the larger economy?

Under these circumstances Christian working men must do one of two things:
either join associations in which their religion will be exposed to peril, or form
associations among themselves and unite their forces so as to shake off courageously
the yoke of so unrighteous and intolerable an oppression. No one who does not wish
to expose man's chief good to extreme risk will for a moment hesitate to say that the
second alternative should by all means be adopted. (54 Rerum Novarum 1891). Job
Description stretch when done right is good for the betterment of the incumbents to

Pierangelo A. Dominguez, DBA 104

 Managing People
Stretching the Job Description

learn how to multi task and for the right reasons. However, a stretch will have a
negative impact to society if when the employers begin to exploit the incumbents and
leading to sub-human conditions, uneven or lack of mandated benefits and imbalance
leading to burnout. Incumbents who are discontented with too much stretch become
unproductive and inefficient. Errors and costs associated with such will lead to more
inefficiencies and more costs. It will be a continuous downward spiral. In worse cases,
a society where laborers have too much stretch affecting their well-being and dignity
will one day snap and even revolt leading to a damaged economy.

References:

1. Rerum Novarum, 1891, Pope Leo XIII

2. Human Resource Management, 9th Ed. Noe, Hollenback, Gerhart & Wright
3. Work and Life Harmony: An exploratory case study of entrepinays. DSLU Business &
Economics Review, 22(2), 15-36
4. Labor Code of the Philippines

Pierangelo A. Dominguez, DBA 104