Differentiate Job Enlargement and Job Enrichment

Question

Differentiate between Job Enlargement and Job Enrichment?

Answer 1

Both Job enlargement and job enrichment are important forms of job design in order to enhance satisfaction and productivity of the employees. They differ from each other in the following respects:

1. Nature of Job: Enlargement involves a horizontal loading or development or accumulation of errands of the same nature. Enrichment involves vertical loading of tasks and responsibility of the job holder

2. Purpose: The purpose of job enlargement is to reduce the monotony in performing repetitive jobs by lengthening the cycle of operation. On the other hand, the purpose of job enrichment is making the job lively, challenging and satisfying.

3. Skill Requirement:  Job enlargement may not necessarily require the use of additional skills which the job holder was using in performing the job before the enlargement. Enrichment calls for development and utilization of higher skills, initiative, and innovation on the part of the job holder in performing the job.

4. Direction and Control: Job enlargement requires direction and control from external sources, say supervisor. In fact, the job holder may require more direction and control because of enlargement of his responsibility. Enrichment does not require external direction and control as these come from the job owner himself. From his supervisor, he wants only feedback.