3. Work Analysis Roles and Process

Work analysis projects are most often conducted by a group of individuals who essentially serve in two different roles. First, there are the subject-matter experts (SMEs), who are presumed to have expert-level knowledge and skills about the work being analyzed. Then, there are the analysts who work closely with the SMEs, and who have knowledge and skills in the work analysis process. Some organizations undertake work analysis projects with the belief that the analyst should be content-bound. That is, the analyst also serves as an SME. More informed perspectives believe that the analyst should be, in a relative sense, content-free. That is, not having expert levels of knowledge and skills in the work being analyzed. The perspective here is that being content-free provides many more benefits when gathering work analysis information. The chapter also presents a general process for conducting work analysis projects.