Why do people care so much about job titles?

Question

I really don't have a current title, but the jobs I do could be described as Corporate Controller, Accounting Manager, Administraitve Manager, Payroll Manager, etc. etc.

I had a boss once who got me business cards that stated my title was "Controller", but yet I was only making $10 an hour. So my question is do you care more about your title, than the actual job you do?

Answer 1

I don't have an official title, I don't need one to make me feel important - I do whatever needs to be done, and am paid very well for it. I've had titles in the past, usually "manager", and it made no difference in how much work I did. Too many people get all caught up in their titles, and if they're asked to do something that's outside of their job description they say "That's not my job!" Bull - if something needs doing and you're able to do it, then it's your job.

Answer 2

the main purpose of job titles is so your job has a job description to go along with that title- although every company has a slightly different job description they are basically the same- this works well for people calling in to speak withsomeone in an area-and generally knowing who is responsible for what in a company

example if i called in to Prudential and they have 500 employees it helps that the title is a defined contribution retirement specialist- i know if i want to talk about my retirement i would talk to them and not to someone with the job description internal payroll specialist

i do know what you mean though that sometimes if seems people have these fantastic titles handed out to them even though they could be called - lets call the lunch lady a food and beverage technician or a food coordinator, lol

i also know what you mean if you work for a small business because you wear many hats

Answer 3

I think companies began making job titles "politically correct", and somewhere in that circus, the job title became important on a resume. I think it also has a lot to do with competing for positions and competing in the workplace. (Who has the better-sounding job title, who has more control due to title....Image...)

Answer 4

My title sounds impressive, but then so does my job. If you're a big geek. I do care about job titles and sometimes a more impressive title makes people happier

Answer 5

If you decide to ever change jobs, a title on your resume can mean alot.

Answer 6

i really think the have title to make you feel important. i have an aide working in my classroom and her title is kindergarten instructional assitant.