Which statement reflects the primary aim of job design?

• A. To maximize the number of tasks per employee
• B. To standardize all roles regardless of fit
• C. To minimize feedback
• D. To improve motivation and performance by good person-job fit

Answer: (D)

The central idea in job design is to arrange work so that what the job requires fits what the person bringing to the role can do and cares about. When there is good person-job fit, employees feel capable, valued, and energized by their work, which in turn boosts motivation and leads to better performance. In the context of criminal justice, this means designing roles that align with officers’ skills, strengths, and career goals, provide meaningful tasks, and offer appropriate feedback and growth opportunities. That alignment is what drives higher motivation and improved performance.

Choosing options that push more tasks, standardize every role without regard to individual strengths, or minimize feedback misses the core aim. Overloading someone with tasks can reduce motivation, uniform roles ignore individual fit and can lower engagement, and lacking feedback leaves people without guidance to improve, all of which undermine performance and motivation.