A conceptual framework for approaches to occupational analysis

Abstract

The increasing use of occupational analysis and the dominance of a particular form, functional analysis, are noted. A comparative study of approaches to occupational analysis is proposed, to inform future analyses. Issues in comparison in general are explored. The nature of the particular study is then considered, as a basis for the development of a comparative methodology. There follows definition of a number of terms to be used in assembling the framework, including forms of analysis, methods of analysis and dimensions. The choices of a matrix framework and of forms of analysis of skill, function and role are explained. An approach to the selection of key dimensions is explained and justified. The framework is then employed to analyse several approaches to occupational analysis