This can be observed in pharmacies where pharmacists are assigned with specific functions such as dispensing or caring for patients. Even within clinical functions, pharmacists can specialize in a particular field (e.g., geriatrics, pediatrics, or disease states). Division of labor in the pharmacy is expected to result in heightened efficiency in the utilization of specialized skills of individual employees. However, the disadvantage of dividing labor is that employees assigned with singular tasks will not develop comprehensive skill sets in the field and they may eventually find their jobs monotonous. Some suggest that enlarging instead of narrowing the scope of some jobs leads to greater productivity by using employees with interchangeable skills (Robbins, 2005). This can be observed in the health system setting, where pharmacists are able to shift from providing traditional staffing functions to clinical functions.
