Which document outlines the formal duties and responsibilities of a position?

• A. Job specification
• B. Job description
• C. Occupational analysis
• D. Position profile

Answer: (B)

This question focuses on identifying which HR document clearly sets out the formal duties and responsibilities attached to a position. A job description is the document that details the purpose of the role, the key duties and responsibilities, reporting relationships, and often working conditions. It translates what the role is expected to accomplish into concrete tasks and functions, making the scope of accountability explicit. This clarity supports performance evaluation, recruitment, and organizational planning.

Job specification, by contrast, concentrates on the person—listing required qualifications, skills, and experience. An occupational analysis is the broader study of a job to determine its tasks and requirements and is used to inform the description and specification. A position profile provides a concise overview of the role and may emphasize key competencies and context, but it typically does not enumerate every formal duty in detail.