Using Knowledge, Skill and Ability (KSA) Data to Identify Career Pathing Opportunities: An Application of Job Analysis to Internal Manpower Planning

Job analytic methodology was used to identify knowledge, skill and ability (KSA) dimensions of four classes of jobs (secretarial/clerical, managerial/administrative, professional/technical and service). The KSA's were then identified as either selection or training criteria (critical for the development of selection tests or training programs). The feasibility of establishing career paths between the secretarial/clerical jobs (source jobs) and the managerial/administrative jobs (target jobs) was evaluated by comparing the selection and training criteria of the source job to the critical (important) knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of the target jobs. It was found that when the critical KSAs for the managerial/administrative positions were rated using job analysis techniques, they significantly correlated with the content identified as part of the secretarial/clerical jobs. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the KSAs identified as important for performance in the managerial/administrative jobs were also identified as important for the performance in the secretarial/clerical jobs. Further, 81% of the target jobs' KSAs not found to be source job selection criteria were found to be source job training criteria. The implications are that job analysis methodology can be used to identify possible career paths, and that career paths can be established between secretarial/clerical jobs and entry level administrative/managerial jobs.