Job enlargement and enrichment are two significant types of job design that can boost employee productivity and happiness. They are distinguishable in the following ways:
1. Job Type
The primary distinction between job enrichment and expansion is the nature of the job additions. Enlargement entails horizontal loading, expansion, or the addition of similar activities. Enrichment entails vertically stacking the duties and responsibilities of the job holder, which enhances the work's intrinsic value.
2. Purpose
Job enlargement is used to alleviate monotony in the performance of repeated tasks by prolonging the operation cycle. Job enrichment, on the other hand, aims to make the job more interesting, demanding, and fulfilling. It addresses the higher-level requirements of job holders, such as ego fulfilment, self-expression, sense of accomplishment, and advancement.
3. Skill Requirement
Job expansion may not always necessitate the usage of extra abilities that the job holder has previously used to execute the job. This is owing to the fact that the extra duties are identical. Enrichment necessitates the development and use of higher abilities, initiative, and creativity on the side of the job holder.
4. Direction and Control
According to the supervisor, job expansion need external direction and control. Indeed, because his responsibilities have grown, the job holder may demand greater direction and control. External direction and control are not required for enrichment because these are provided by the job holder himself. He simply requires input from his boss.
