Compensation analysts look at the following factors that make up a job in determining what classification it is:
Freedom to Act - Authority, autonomy, independence of action, degree to which job tasks are dictated by policy, procedures, manuals, supervisor or department head.
Complexity - The difficulty of problems encountered in the course of work and the types of knowledge needed to solve them. Measures problem-solving skills along two scales; one, the types of problems encountered from routine to most difficult and two, the knowledge required to solve them from simple recognition and referral to the devising of solutions based on interpretation of policy and understanding of departmental objectives.
Consequences of Error - Measures the impact of errors made in the course of work and the consequence of error according to magnitude from those easily rectified to those that cause major unit disruption.
Scope - The variety of work assigned, the degree of organizational skills required to complete the work, the knowledge of organizational units inside or outside the university and the diversity of deadlines and priorities governing the work.
Supervisory Responsibilities - Number, types and level of positions supervised, functions supervised, degree of supervisory authority, e.g. work leader or full supervisor, complexity and diversity of work supervised.
Accountability for Money - Amount, kind, discretion on spending, and complexity as determined by number and types of accounts, where and who money comes from.
Responsibility for Resources - The extent of the resources for which the employee has responsibility including, but not limited to, human, financial, facilities, material, and information systems.
Communications - Types of verbal and written communications; who the employee typically communicates with, what information the employee is typically responsible for and the method of delivery.
In addition to thoroughly analyzing the position being reviewed, the analysts use other sources of information to determine what classification a position is:
- Job description comparisons to other similar positions at UCSB
- Questionnaires
- Series concepts
- Point factor instruments
- On-site desk reviews with the individual
- Organizational charts
- Studies by title
- Market comparisons