Position analysis questionnaire

Position analysis questionnaire or "PAQ" is a method of Job analysis questionnaire that evaluates job skill level and basic characteristics of applicants for a set match of employment opportunity. Position analysis questionnaire involves a series of detail questioning to produce many analysis reports. This method is high in use within Industrial and Organizational Psychology also Individual psychological assessment the Human Resource department or any individual trained in Job analysis take part in "PAQ".

Purpose of PAQ

The PAQ was developed with the hope that it could be used with a minimum of training on the part of the individual who uses it in analyzing a job. This questionnaire's purpose is to further define the duties and responsibilities of a position in order to determine the appropriateness of the position classification, essential functions and/or whether or not the position is exempt from overtime. This questionnaire is intended to supplement your Position Description. It may be followed up with a phone call or a face-to-face meeting to clarify facts and solicit additional information.

Origin of PAQ

The primary purpose of the PAQ is to compare the relationship between capable test scores and what skills are actually necessary for good on the job performance. The Position analysis questionnaire was developed in Purdue University by McCormick, Jeanneret, and Mecham in 1972. The PAQ which is a subtype of Job analysis unit, is consisted of many items and has six main dimensions which are

1. Information input 2. Mental processes 3. Work Output 4. Relationships with other persons 5. Job context 6. Job related variables

Advantages of PAQ

Though there have been many different methods of job analysis and job hiring it has been shown that PAQ is one of the easier methods based on their accuracy of information. The format of this method includes both data collection and computer analysis. The PAQ has also been show to be reliable, and the results are usually on point because the questionnaire allows itself to repeat the same questions in a different form to get the same answer. The PAQ is also easy to use, though a trained Human resource administrator is in charge of the evaluation. In a study by Frederick P. Morgeson and Erich C. Dierdorff they have analyzed and compared a number of work analysis methods to find the Position analysis unit is one of the easier methods to use and the findings were based on the wording of the questions used in this method. Most methods have used graduate level wording where as the Position analysis questionnaire uses grammar on the 10-12 grade level making sure every applicant has the fair amount of understanding the questions as they go through the process.

See also

Job analysis

Industrial and organizational psychology

Human Resource