Paterson Job Evaluation is the predominant job evaluation system used in southern Africa. This article refers to the Paterson Bands (F is the top level – CEO; A is the lowest level).

From Band C on up, you need to understand the theory behind the work you are doing in order to strategize and find the best approach. What changes from C to F Band is the context. In Band F the context is the overall organization, in Band E it is the main functions, in Band D the disciplines and sub-disciplines, while in Band C the context is the systems, processes and procedures.

Band F – Strategic Intent (Corporate Strategic Direction and Policy Signature)
At the top of the organization we have executives who are focused on “strategic intent.” They spend a lot of time on what the organization should and shouldn’t do. They deal with questions such as what is the business of the organization, in which markets should the business be, in which countries, etc. They are responsible for the long-term vision and strategy to ensure long-term viability. [e.g. Vision: We are a low cost Southern African manufacturer of light motor vehicles]

Band E – Strategic Execution (Translation of corporate direction in planning and management of the organization)
At the next level we have executives and senior managers who translate strategic intent into an executable plan that we call strategic execution. This involves translating the organization’s strategic goals (strategic intent) into operational practices/goals. The translation of the overall business strategy into operating systems, practices and processes through the contribution of knowledge inputs. Establishment and monitoring of the functional direction of the organization with respect to a specific specialized discipline. [e.g. Operations: We will import pre-assembled light motor vehicles and use a 50% local build in PE with full sales and service centres in 8 cities in 2017, expanding to 32 locations by 2020)

D Band – Professional Tactical / Practice (Translation of organisation plans into functional plans and tactics)
The next level of strategy involves developing the best tactics or operational practices by planning, organising and co-coordinating the required resources, namely money, people, materials, equipment, information and technology, to achieve given objectives in the most productive and cost effective way. Management of systems, processes and practices in such a way as to achieve best operating practices. [e.g. Operations-Manufacturing: We will use a sequential production line in 8 assembly sections, 50% robotic, to manufacture 8 vehicles per hour at full capacity]

Band C – Supervision/Advanced Operations (Optimization of a given functional system to achieve plans. Solving a variety of technical problems within a recognized technical discipline through the appropriate use of a variety of tools)
While this is not often referred to as strategic, this level of work develops detailed operational strategies within systems, processes and procedures to make them optimally efficient, quality and profitable.

Bands A and B mostly select the applicable system, process or procedures and use them with very few requirements to understand the underlying theory.