What term describes the extent to which a job requires that an employee use a wide range of different skills?

The term that describes the extent to which a job requires an employee to use a wide range of different skills is known as skill variety. This concept is a key component of job design and is crucial for enhancing employee satisfaction and motivation. When a job includes multiple tasks that require different skills, it can lead to greater engagement and a sense of accomplishment for the employee.

Higher skill variety often correlates with increased job satisfaction and performance because it prevents monotony and encourages creativity. Employees who are able to apply various skills are likely to feel more competent and valued in their roles, which can contribute to lower turnover rates and higher productivity within an organization.

In contrast, task identity refers to the degree to which a job requires completion of a whole and identifiable piece of work, emphasizing the end-to-end responsibility for tasks rather than the variety of skills. Task significance focuses on the impact of the job on others, highlighting the meaningfulness of work rather than the skillset required. Job crafting involves employees actively making changes to their job to improve satisfaction, which is broader than merely the variety of skills utilized.