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Reactions to changes in work control: Implications for self-determined and non-self-determined individuals
Stacey L Parker1, Nerina L Jimmieson2, Catherine E Amiot3
1School of Psychology, The University of Queensland.
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
|January 20, 2016
Summary
Self-determined individuals thrive with high work control, boosting positive reappraisal and intrinsic motivation. Non-self-determined individuals experience increased anxiety and reduced task performance under high or changing work control.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Work Motivation
Background:
- Individual differences in global motivation (self-determined vs. non-self-determined) impact workplace adjustment and engagement.
- Work control is a critical factor influencing employee well-being and performance.
- Understanding the interplay between motivation and work control is essential for optimizing work environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how global motivation influences adjustment and engagement in response to changes in work control.
- To investigate the mediating role of positive reappraisal and anxiety in the relationship between work control and motivation.
- To explore the impact of work control on task performance.
Main Methods:
- 156 participants completed a work simulation with varying levels of work control (low/high) across two trials.
- Measures included global motivation, anxiety, positive reappraisal, intrinsic motivation, and task performance.
- Moderated mediation analyses were used to examine the proposed relationships.
Main Results:
- Self-determined individuals showed increased positive reappraisal and intrinsic motivation under high work control.
- Non-self-determined individuals exhibited elevated anxiety under high or changing work control.
- Anxiety mediated the negative effect of high work control on task performance for non-self-determined individuals.
Conclusions:
- Adjustment to demanding tasks is contingent upon the alignment between individual motivation and available work control.
- A mismatch in work control can negatively impact non-self-determined individuals' anxiety and performance.
- Tailoring work control to individual motivational profiles can enhance engagement and adjustment in the workplace.
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