Running head: JOB ANALYSIS
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JOB ANALYSIS
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Job Analysis of a Commercial Pilot
Moses Sandoval
Psy435
August 28, 2018
Dr. Angela Look
The Job Analysis Method Selected
If a commercial pilot is to be effective in performance, he or she should have competent skills in various areas such as operation and control, operation monitoring, geography, problem sensitivity, flight control software, customer and personnel services, and interpersonal communication skills among many others. Due to the extent of skills and competencies required from a commercial pilot, the most effective job analysis method entails use of a questionnaire. As the name suggests, it entails presenting employees with questionnaires that need to be filled out. It is one of the most common methods for job analysis mainly because it is inexpensive and easy to distribute.
When analyzing the performance of a commercial pilot, there are various areas that need to be evaluated. To ensure that all areas have been fully captured, an evaluator can design a questionnaire with open-ended questions, multiple choices, and checklists among others. All elements included in the questionnaire should enable examination of key areas in a manner that is quantifiable. Essentially, the questionnaire should be done in a manner that is able to establish weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
The use of a questionnaire is better than other methods such as interviews. The former is fast and convenient especially in the aviation industry where time is not always available. Additionally, when using a questionnaire, it is easy to keep records of the employees’ progress hence an evaluator can ascertain whether an employee is improving through addressing personal weaknesses (Patel, Patel & Patel, 2012). However, it is imperative to note the use of a questionnaire does not allow direct examination of some skills and competencies such as interpersonal communication and quick decision-making.
Tests When Hiring Commercial Pilots
There are several tests that will be undertaken when hiring a commercial pilot. First, an aptitude test will be taken in a bid to examine an applicant’s knowledge about a particular topic such as flight control software or geography among others. This will be structured as an interview, where the applicant will be expected to respond to various questions. The aptitude tests will be followed by an intelligence test which will aim at measuring an applicant’s intelligence. The test will aim at measuring how the applicant understands the world around them especially in regard to flights.
Additionally, a personality test will be conducted with an aim of evaluating the personality traits and attitudes of the applicants. It is a test that enables an evaluator to learn about how an applicant perceives various issues that might have an influence on how they meet their performance goals. Specifically, a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) that comprises of yes or no ques.