The future is autonomy, but for whom?

Abstract

The experience of autonomy is essential for people at work. Decades of research indicate that individuals experiencing more autonomy at work have better wellbeing and perform more effectively. Increasingly, new technology also has the capacity to operate autonomously. From transportation to customer service, automated technologies are being designed to implement core organisational processes. How does human autonomy relate to these advances technological autonomy? I review evidence that this question has not been adequately addressed and show how the link between human and technological autonomy can be positive or negative depending on key features of implementation. I present a framework for addressing this problem and guidelines for identify the positive and negative consequences of automation.