Determination of similar task types by the use of the multidimensional classification method: towards improving quality of working life and job satisfaction

Abstract

In this paper the entity is defined as the constituent unit of the work group. Actually the entity means the individual worker, supervisor, or task. These entities have respectively their attributes and also contribute to the effectiveness of the design of the work group. Similar types of entities are constructed by considering the interrelations between attributes and effectiveness. The suggested MDC (multidimensional classification method) is a new method of classifying the entities in relation to the defined attribute space and effectiveness space and of better constructing similar types. From the viewpoint of the operationality of design and redesign of the work group, the MDC is useful to determine rationally the similar types of entities. In fact, in relation to job satisfaction, the similar task types could be successfully constructed by the use of the MDC. As a result, higher job satisfaction could be realized by manipulating the similar task types so determined. The similar types which are determined by the MDC are useful to create the design rules for manipulating the entities in the process of designing an effective work group. By determining the similar types of workers and supervisors and also adopting work performance and productivity as effectiveness indexes, the methodology can be established for designing an effective work group.