AKiCiF: Job descriptions

[rolanni]

I know we have a couple of HR-types reading here. I'm coming away from one of the most surreal conversations I have ever had with an HR person and I need a...triple-check, it would be, on current usage.

Suppose one has a Job Description. It goes like this:

Job Title: Secretary, Ministry of Silly Walks

Function: To provide secretarial support to the chairman of the Ministry of Silly Walks

Duties:
1. Sort the mail
2. Answer public inquiries regarding the nature and history of MoSW
3. Produce and distribute posters advertising MoSW functions
4. Walk silly
5. Monitor office supply levels and order as necessary
6. Other duties as assigned

My question lies with Number 6. I've only been working off and on in a clerical capacity since 1968, so my understanding may be flawed, but what I take Number 6 to mean is that if my boss, the Minister of MoSW, should decide that the Ministry needs, oh, a webpage and assigns me to build and maintain it, that's an "other duty" -- which is to say, a new task not anticipated when the core list of duties was compiled by whoever compiled the original job description.

Does Number 6, in current HR philosophy, also mean that the Prime Minister may append the Ministry of Funny Mustaches to the above job description as "other duties" stipulating that the MoFM is its own power, equal in the org chart to the MoSW?

Inquiring minds...

Comments

[klingonguy.livejournal.com]

I have a similar clause at the end of my job description. At the end of the day, it seems to translate as "serves at the pleasure of the CEO." I'm frequently called upon to do things that are not otherwise part of my job description, but which nonetheless do fit within the larger range of my abilities and skill sets (guess who gets to polish official documents and letters that are going out to important people/agencies?).

On the other hand, particularly in the current economy, it's a good thing to be employed.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

On the other hand, particularly in the current economy, it's a good thing to be employed.

And there is a certain amount of black humor to be had in holding a day-job that I have to subsidize with my writing income.

[klingonguy.livejournal.com]

And there is a certain amount of black humor to be had in holding a day-job that I have to subsidize with my writing income.

Yep, pretty much the size of it.