Which principle is demonstrated by cross-training employees?

Which principle is demonstrated by cross-training employees?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Skill variety
• C. Whole task
• D. Significant work

Answer: (B)

Cross-training employees increases the variety of tasks they can perform, which is Skill variety. When workers learn multiple duties, they use different skills, stay engaged because the work changes, and become more adaptable to shifts in demand. This variety is a key driver of motivation and learning in job design, aligning with the idea that having a broader set of skills makes a role more stimulating and resilient. Autonomy would involve giving employees more control over decisions and how they do their work, which cross-training alone doesn’t automatically provide. Whole task focuses on completing a complete end-to-end piece of work by one person, which cross-training doesn’t inherently assign. Significant work relates to how meaningful or impactful the tasks are, which is not the primary effect of simply learning multiple duties.

Cross-training employees increases the variety of tasks they can perform, which is Skill variety. When workers learn multiple duties, they use different skills, stay engaged because the work changes, and become more adaptable to shifts in demand. This variety is a key driver of motivation and learning in job design, aligning with the idea that having a broader set of skills makes a role more stimulating and resilient.

Autonomy would involve giving employees more control over decisions and how they do their work, which cross-training alone doesn’t automatically provide. Whole task focuses on completing a complete end-to-end piece of work by one person, which cross-training doesn’t inherently assign. Significant work relates to how meaningful or impactful the tasks are, which is not the primary effect of simply learning multiple duties.