Reinventing Jobs: Optimizing Human-Automation Work Combinations

Reinventing Jobs: A 4-Step Approach for Applying Automation to Work

This article, "Reinventing Jobs: A 4-Step Approach for Applying Automation to Work" by Ravin Jesuthasan and John W. Boudreau, provides a strategic framework for leaders to navigate the integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) into their organizations. It challenges the conventional view of automation as a direct replacement for human workers, advocating instead for the optimization of human-machine combinations to enhance both efficiency and overall business performance.

The Core Argument: Beyond Human vs. Machine

The authors argue that the prevailing narrative often frames automation as a zero-sum game between humans and machines. However, this perspective is limiting. The true opportunity lies in understanding how to best combine human capabilities—such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—with the strengths of automation technologies, like speed, precision, and the ability to handle repetitive tasks. This requires a fundamental rethinking of job design and work structures.

The Four-Step Framework for Reinventing Jobs

Jesuthasan and Boudreau propose a structured, four-step process to guide leaders in reinventing jobs and creating optimal human-automation combinations:

Deconstruct: The initial step involves breaking down existing jobs into their constituent tasks. This deep dive allows organizations to analyze each task individually, understanding its nature, its contribution to the overall job, and its potential for automation or augmentation. Key questions to consider include identifying repetitive tasks versus those requiring human judgment, creativity, or empathy.
Optimize: Following deconstruction, the focus shifts to optimizing how tasks are bundled and assigned. This phase involves determining the most effective way to leverage both human and machine capabilities. It might mean reallocating tasks, redesigning workflows, or creating new hybrid roles where humans and machines collaborate. The goal is to assign each task to the resource that can perform it most effectively, thereby maximizing value.
Automate: This step involves the strategic implementation of automation technologies. Based on the insights gained from deconstruction and optimization, organizations can select and deploy appropriate tools—such as AI, machine learning algorithms, or Robotic Process Automation (RPA)—for tasks that are suitable for automation. This decision should be driven by business objectives, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, scalability, and integration with existing systems.
Reconfigure: The final step is to reconfigure job roles and organizational structures to reflect the new human-automation workflows. This involves defining new responsibilities, identifying necessary skills, and potentially creating new career paths. The outcome is a more agile, adaptable, and effective workforce that leverages the combined strengths of humans and technology.

Key Principles for Leaders

Continuous Re-examination: Leaders must foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, regularly assessing how work is done and how technology is evolving.
Focus on Value Creation: Identify the pivotal performance value of tasks within jobs and reconstruct them into more optimal combinations that drive business results.
Strategic Decision-Making: Automation should be a strategic choice, not merely a technological trend. Decisions should be planful, precise, and actionable.
Human-Centric Approach: While embracing automation, the focus remains on enhancing human capabilities and creating fulfilling work experiences.

Product and Contextual Information

The article is presented as a product from Harvard Business Review (HBR) Store, with the following details:

Title: Reinventing Jobs: A 4-Step Approach for Applying Automation to Work
Product #: 10174
Pages: 224
Publication Date: October 09, 2018
Authors: Ravin Jesuthasan, John W. Boudreau
Price: $32.00 (USD)
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Available Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Danish, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Slovak, Traditional Chinese.
Related Topics: Organizational transformation, Digital transformation, Automation, AI and machine learning, Organizational change, Hiring and recruitment, Leadership.
Quantity Pricing: Discounts are available for bulk purchases, encouraging team adoption.

Conclusion

"Reinventing Jobs" offers a valuable, actionable guide for leaders seeking to effectively leverage automation and AI. By adopting the proposed four-step process, organizations can move beyond the fear of technological disruption and instead harness it to create more efficient, performant, and future-ready workforces. The emphasis on optimizing human-machine combinations ensures that technology serves to augment human potential, leading to sustainable business success.