Work

Beyond the Sweet Spot: Testing Nonlinear Relationships Between Two Autonomy Facets and Work Intensification

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: : Recent research challenges a purely positive view of high job autonomy by demonstrating its association with job demands. Based on the Vitamin model and empirical evidence for nonlinear relationships of autonomy with work outcomes, we investigate the nature of the relationship of work methods and work scheduling autonomy with work intensification. Using spline models in two studies ( N 1 = 501 British; N 2 = 569 German employees), we found nonlinear relationships: An initial negative relationship with work intensification for low to medium job autonomy levels disappeared at high levels. In Study 1, we even found a shift into a positive relationship for work methods autonomy. Overall, our findings suggest a complex role of job autonomy at work.

Source: Journal of Personnel Psychology

DOI: 10.1027/1866-5888/a000377

Authors: Tanja Bipp, Marvin Walczok

Institutions: Heidelberg University, University of Würzburg, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: European Commission, European Regional Development Fund