Job descriptions also need to be congruent with the organization and unit mission, vision, objectives, and strategies. Job descriptions are important because they serve as a roadmap for what individuals are supposed to do, how, and what results will be produced. Moreover, job descriptions are important for new employees because they set clear expectations from day one.

So, if job descriptions are consistent with the organization and unit mission, vision, objectives, and strategies, it is more likely that results produced by individuals and teams will contribute to the success of their units and organization as a whole. This description provides information about the various tasks performed, together with a description of some of the KSAs required for the position.

The tasks and KSAs included in individual job descriptions should include activities that, if executed well, will help execute the mission and vision. Job descriptions that are detached from strategic priorities will lead to performance evaluations focused on behaviors and results that are not central to an organization’s success, and the performance management system will be seen as irrelevant and a big waste of time by managers and employee alike.