Job characteristics model (JCM): utility and impact on working professionals in the UAE

Purpose This study aimed to see the impact of various dimensions of the job characteristic model (JCM) through the motivating potential scores (MPSs) on professionals residing in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 60 professionals, aged from 20 to 45 years were randomly selected from different organizations in UAE. They were administered an online questionnaire to explore their perceptions on job characteristics as per the JCM. Analysis of results was done by factor analysis using SPSS. Findings Results reveal the impact of increasing age on high MPSs, higher MPSs of white-collared jobs than the blue-collared jobs, owing to high skill variety in white-collar jobs. It was also noticed that women scored higher on MPSs than men, and the men of Indian origin showed high motivation as compared to their counterparts from other countries. Research limitations/implications Based on the study conducted, it can be concluded that JCM used for calculating MPS gives an insight into the motivational levels of an employee and the cause for the same. Plotting the scores of JCM characteristics with respect to variables such as age, gender, type of job and country of residence gives a fair idea of motivation and its dependence on these variables. Originality/value The findings of this study have significant implications for developing and sustaining a motivated workforce in the organizations in the UAE. A critical analysis of the data gives many areas where the company can focus to increase the motivation level of its employees.