Which of the following is a key characteristic that contributes to an employee's motivation according to the job characteristics model?

Task significance is a key characteristic in the job characteristics model that significantly contributes to an employee's motivation. This model, developed by Hackman and Oldham, emphasizes how certain aspects of a job structure can lead to higher levels of motivation and satisfaction among employees. Task significance refers to the degree to which a job has a substantial impact on the lives or work of other people, both inside and outside of the organization.

When employees perceive their work as meaningful and understand how it contributes to the well-being of others or the overall goals of the organization, their intrinsic motivation increases. This sense of purpose can foster greater engagement, satisfaction, and commitment to their roles, which enhances performance and reduces turnover.

In contrast, factors such as job independence, job flexibility, and job duration, while potentially influencing job satisfaction, do not encapsulate the motivational aspect related to the perceived importance of the task itself as effectively as task significance does. Hence, focusing on how a job impacts others can deepen an employee's connection to their work and elevate their motivation levels.