What does skill variety refer to in Hackman and Oldham's job characteristics model?

Skill variety, in the context of Hackman and Oldham's job characteristics model, refers to the number of different skills and talents that a job requires from an individual. This concept emphasizes the extent to which a job encompasses various tasks that demand different competencies and abilities. A job with high skill variety encourages employees to utilize a broader range of skills, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and performance. By engaging employees in diverse activities, skill variety can also help reduce monotony and enhance the overall quality of their work experience.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of skills that do not encapsulate the core meaning of skill variety. The importance of each skill relates to how vital a skill is within the job context, while the level of expertise needed pertains to the depth of knowledge required for a specific skill. The frequency of skills used addresses how often particular skills are applied during the course of the job tasks. None of these aspects directly define skill variety, which is rooted in the diversity of skills needed to perform the job.