What is 'job carving' and when is it used?

• A. Increasing the number of tasks for the worker
• B. Creating or redefining job duties to fit a person’s strengths and the employer’s needs, often used when standard roles don’t fit
• C. Replacing the worker with automation
• D. Outsourcing all responsibilities

Answer: (B)

Job carving means shaping a role by identifying the tasks that best match a worker’s strengths and the organization’s needs, often by redefining duties or combining tasks from different roles. It’s used when standard job descriptions don’t fit a person well—so you tailor the work to leverage what the person does best and to meet business goals. This approach can boost productivity, job satisfaction, and retention by creating a clearer fit between capabilities and responsibilities. It’s not simply about piling on more tasks, nor is it about replacing the worker with automation or outsourcing all responsibilities.