Abstract: Job analysis is based on people’s subjective judgments, and may be subject to inaccuracy of job information. This paper summarizes sources of inaccuracy in job analysis, including job analyst, job analysis instrument, social and cognitive sources of potential inaccuracy. Those job analysis facets that most likely to be affected in job analysis are described. Then the relationship between job analysis inaccuracy and real within-job differences is explored. At the end, some recommendations for research and practice are discussed.

Key words: job analysis, inaccuracy, social and cognitive sources