Task Complexity: A Review and Analysis

Campbell, Donald J.

doi:10.5465/amr.1988.4306775

Cited by 1,634Job Satisfaction and Organizational BehaviorManagement Theory and PracticeComplex Systems and Decision Making

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Task Complexity: A Review and Analysis

Campbell, Donald J.·1988·The Academy of Management Review

DOI 10.5465/amr.1988.4306775

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Abstract

In an attempt to identify those qualities that make a task complex, four fundamental task attributes are identified and are distinguished from other attributes usually associated with this concept. A typology of complex tasks is derived from the identified attributes. Finally, the implications of the analysis for both basic and applied research are considered.

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Specific characteristics of relations, such as negative relations and ambiguity or uncertainty of relations, are related to difficulty.
“Third, specific characteristics of relations are also seen as being related to difficulty. Campbell (1988) mentions in an overview study aspects of the material that contribute to difficulty such as ''negative'' relations between elements (this is conflicting information) and ambiguity or uncertainty of relations.”
From Cognitive load theory, educational research, and instructional design: some food for thought (2010) · cites this paper as Campbell 1988
Intrinsic load also depends on other characteristics of the material beyond the number of elements and their interactivity.
“This, however, is not the complete story and intrinsic load also seems to depend on other characteristics of the material.”
From Cognitive load theory, educational research, and instructional design: some food for thought (2010) · cites this paper as Campbell 1988

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Authors: Campbell, D. J.
Affiliations: Bowling Green State University (US)
Corresponding author: Campbell, Donald J.
Venue: The Academy of Management Review
Publisher: Academy of Management
Published: 1988-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 40
ISSN: 0363-7425 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.5465/amr.1988.4306775
OpenAlex: W2143579043
Semantic Scholar: 71157ea1c5ea6c8e2cea29459648ed5a81787fbe
Cited by: 1,634
References: 54
Citations by year: 2026: 37 · 2025: 69 · 2024: 49 · 2023: 82 · 2022: 79 · 2021: 84 · 2020: 62 · 2019: 75 · 2018: 81 · 2017: 63 · 2016: 70 · 2015: 88 · 2014: 84 · 2013: 77 · 2012: 70
FWCI: 18.09
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Academy of Management Review (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior
Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management Theory and Practice
Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Complex Systems and Decision Making
Keywords: task complexity, task characteristics, job design, job characteristics

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Task Complexity: A Review and Analysis

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