Examining the Curvilinear Effects of Autonomy at Work

Abstract

Traditional work design theories identify autonomy as an important characteristic of work. However, theory and evidence suggest that there might be limits to the positive function of autonomy. In this thesis, I investigate the nonlinear effects of autonomy on performance, psychological well-being, and ill-health through three distinct studies: a meta-analysis, a longitudinal field study, and an experiment. Results suggest that the effect of autonomy on outcomes is likely to be curvilinear, rather than linear.