Comparing the impact of occupation-specific and generic work characteristics

Abstract

This chapter discusses the value of assessing occupation-specific job characteristics, in addition to the common measurement of generic job characteristics. We review some key examples of how occupation-specific assessments have contributed to the literature, with a particular focus on research conducted within the Asia-Pacific region. The chapter also discusses the theoretical contributions drawn from occupation-specific job characteristics research and the practical implications this research has for organisational psychological health interventions with high-risk of stress workers (e.g., police, corrections, and health workers). The chapter illustrates these discussions with two cases studies; one describing how the specific job demand of euthanizing animals is a significant job stressor for veterinary nurses, while the second case study examines the value added to assessments of health by measuring correctional worker's interactions with offenders. Finally, the chapter reviews the recent interest in assessing occupation-specific job characteristics and we suggest this is a highly relevant research topic for researchers based within the Asia-Pacific.