Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Job Autonomy as a Predictor of Mental Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Quality-Competitive Environment

  • Published:
Journal of Business and Psychology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the moderating role of quality-competitive environment on the relationships between job autonomy and employees’ mental well-being and organizational commitment. It also investigates the mediating role of organizational commitment on the relationship between job autonomy and mental well-being.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The proposed hypotheses were tested by hierarchical linear modeling using an archival dataset from the Workplace Employment Relations Survey, which was conducted in Great Britain in 2004 and 2005 (12,836 employees and 1,190 managers).

Findings

This study found that quality-competitive environment moderated the relationships between job autonomy and mental well-being and between job autonomy and organizational commitment. That is, job autonomy was more strongly related to mental well-being and organizational commitment in more quality-competitive organizations. The results also indicated that this moderation was partially mediated by organizational commitment.

Implications

Because job autonomy is related to employees’ mental well-being and organizational commitment, organizations need to provide their employees with job autonomy. More importantly, because these positive relationships are stronger in quality-competitive companies, organizations in a highly quality-competitive market in particular should provide their employees with more job autonomy.

Originality/Value

This is one of the first studies that investigated the vertical fit between job autonomy and organizational contexts while focusing on individual employees’ outcomes (attitudes and mental well-being). The results were obtained by data from a nationally representative sample, allowing us to generalize the results. Additionally, since the dataset was collected from multiple sources, self-report and common-method biases are minimized.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahuja, M. K., Chudoba, K. M., Kacmar, C. J., McKnight, D. H., & George, J. F. (2007). It road warriors: Balancing work-family conflict, job autonomy, and work overload to mitigate turnover intentions. MIS Quarterly, 31(1), 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aiken, L. S., & West, S. G. (1991). Multiple regression: Testing and interpreting interactions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldag, R. J., Barr, S. H., & Brief, A. P. (1981). Measurement of perceived task characteristics. Psychological Bulletin, 90(3), 415–431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, N. J., & Meyer, J. P. (1990). The measurement and antecedents of affective, continuance and normative commitment to the organization. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 63(1), 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, D. G., Shore, L. M., & Griffeth, R. W. (2003). The role of perceived organizational support and supportive human resource practices in the turnover process. Journal of Management, 29(1), 99–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baird, L., & Meshoulam, I. (1988). Managing two fits of strategic human resource management. Academy of Management Review, 13, 116–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Begley, T. M., & Cazjka, J. M. (1993). Panel analysis of the moderating effects of commitment on job satisfaction, intent to quit, and health following organizational change. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78(4), 552–556.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergkvist, L., & Rossiter, J. R. (2007). The predictive validity of multiple-item versus single-item measures of the same constructs. Journal of Marketing Research, 44(2), 175–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bond, F. W., & Flaxman, P. E. (2006). The ability of psychological flexibility and job control to predict learning, job performance, and mental health. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 26, 113–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bond, F. W., Flaxman, P. E., & Bunce, D. (2008). The influence of psychological flexibility on work redesign: Mediated moderation of a work reorganization intervention. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93(3), 645–654.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brockner, J., Spreitzer, G., Mishra, A., Hochwarter, W., Pepper, L., & Weinberg, J. (2004). Perceived control as an antidote to the negative effects of layoffs on survivors’ organizational commitment and job performance. Administrative Science Quarterly, 49(1), 76–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryk, A. S., & Raudenbush, S. W. (1992). Hierarchical linear models. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cappelli, P., & Neumark, D. (2001). Do “high-performance” work practices improve establishment-level outcomes? Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 54(4), 737–775.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, C. L., & Cartwright, S. (1996). Mental health and stress in the workplace: A guide for employers. Windsor: NFER-Nelson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, A., Handfield, R. B., Calantone, R. J., & Ghosh, S. (2000). A contingent view of quality management: The impact of international competition on quality. Decision Sciences, 31(3), 649–690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., Connell, J. P., & Ryan, R. M. (1989). Self-determination in a work organization. Journal of Applied Psychology, 74, 580–590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and the “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delery, J. E., & Doty, D. H. (1996). Modes of theorizing in strategic human resource management: Tests of universalistic, contingency, and configurational performance predictions. Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 802–835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Trade and Industry. (2005). Workplace employment relations survey 2004: Introductory note to accompany data deposit.

  • Dodd, N. G., & Ganster, D. C. (1996). The interactive effects of variety, autonomy, and feedback on attitudes and performance. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 17, 329–347.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson, S. I., & Grant-Vallone, E. J. (2002). Understanding self-report bias in organizational behavior research. Journal of Business and Psychology, 17(2), 245–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, L. T., Freeman, D. M., Rush, M. C., & Lance, C. E. (1999). Motivational bases of affective organizational commitment: A partial test of an integrative theoretical model. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 72, 463–483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberger, R., Armeli, S., Rexwinkel, B., Lynch, P. D., & Roades, L. (2001). Reciprocation of perceived organizational support. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(1), 42–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberger, R., Rhoades, L., & Cameron, J. (1999). Does pay for performance increase or decrease perceived self-determination and intrinsic motivation? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77, 1026–1040.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galais, N., & Moser, K. (2009). Organizational commitment and the well-being of temporary agency workers: A longitudinal study. Human Relations, 62(4), 589–620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganster, D. C., & Schaubroeck, J. (1991). Work stress and employee health. Journal of Management, 17, 235–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hackman, J. R., & Oldham, G. R. (1976). Motivation through the design of work: Test of a theory. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 16, 250–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hakanen, J. J., Bakker, A. B., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2006). Burnout and work engagement among teachers. Journal of School Psychology, 43, 495–513.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, D. A. (1997). An overview of the logic and rationale of hierarchical linear models. Journal of Management, 23(6), 723–744.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, D. A., & Gavin, M. B. (1998). Centering decisions in hierarchical linear models: Implications for research in organizations. Journal of Management, 24(5), 623–641.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey, S. E., Nahrgang, J. D., & Morgeson, F. P. (2007). Integrating motivational, social, and contextual work design features: A meta-analytic summary and theoretical extention of the work design literature. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(5), 1332–1356.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huselid, M. A. (1995). The impact of human resource management practices on turnover, productivity, and corporate financial performance. Academy of Management Journal, 38(3), 635–672.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karasek, R. A. (1979). Job demands, job decision latitude, and mental strain: Implications for job redesign. Administrative Science Quarterly, 24, 285–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kasl, S. V. (1973). Mental health and work environment: An examination of the evidence. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 15, 509–518.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kemp, N. J., Wall, T. D., Clegg, C. W., & Cordery, J. L. (1983). Autonomous work groups in a Greenfield site: A comparative study. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 56, 271–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kinicki, A., & Kreitner, R. (2008). Organizational behavior: Key concepts, skills & best practices. Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kline, R. B. (1998). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. New York & London: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langfred, C. W. (2000). The paradox of self-management: Individual and group autonomy in work groups. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 21, 563–585.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loher, B. T., Noe, R. A., Moeller, N. L., & Fitzgerald, M. P. (1985). A meta-analysis of the relation of job characteristics to job satisfaction. Journal of Applied Psychology, 70, 280–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Man, D. C., & Lam, S. K. (2003). The effects of job complexity and autonomy on cohesiveness in collectivistic and individualistic work groups: A cross-cultural analysis. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 24, 979–1001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathieu, J. E., & Zajac, D. M. (1990). A review and meta-analysis of the antecedents, correlates, and consequences of organizational commitment. Psychological Bulletin, 108(2), 171–194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, J. P., & Herscovitch, L. (2001). Commitment in the workplace: Toward a general model. Human Resource Management Review, 11, 299–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, J. E. (2000). One road to turnover: An examination of work exhaustion in technology professionals. MIS Quarterly, 24(1), 141–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mowday, R., Steers, R., & Porter, L. (1979). The measurement of organizational commitment. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 14, 224–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muller, D., Judd, C. M., & Yzerbyt, V. Y. (2005). When moderation is mediated and mediation is moderated. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89(6), 852–863.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neal, A., West, M. A., & Patterson, M. G. (2005). Do organizational climate and competitive strategy moderate the relationship between human resource management and productivity? Journal of Management, 31(4), 492–512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nikolaou, I., & Tsaousis, I. (2002). Emotional intelligence in the workplace: Exploring its effects on occupational stress and organizational commitment. The International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 10(4), 327–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osterman, P. (1994). How common is workplace transformation and who adopts it? Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 47(2), 173–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, R., Appelbaum, E., & Kruse, D. (2010). Employee involvement and group incentives in manufacturing companies: A multi-level analysis. Human Resource Management Journal, 20(3), 227–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, S. K. (2003). Longitudinal of lean production on employee outcomes and the mediating role of work characteristics. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(4), 620–634.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preacher, K. J., Curran, P. J., & Bauer, D. J. (2004). Simple intercepts, simple slopes, and regions of significance in HLM 2-way interactions. http://people.ku.edu/~preacher/interact/hlm2.htm.

  • Raudenbush, S., & Bryk, A. S. (2002). Hierarchical linear models: Applications and data analysis methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rhoades, L., & Eisenberger, R. (2002). Perceived organizational support: A review of the literature. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(4), 698–714.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rhoades, L., Eisenberger, R., & Armeli, S. (2001). Affective commitment to the organization: The contribution of perceived organizational support. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(5), 825–836.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rohland, B. M., Kruse, G. R., & Rohrer, J. E. (2004). Validation of a single-item measure of burnout against the Maslach burnout inventory among physicians. Stress and Health, 20, 75–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sage, W., & Kalyan, D. (2006). Horses or unicorns: can paying for performance make quality competition routine? Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 31(3), 531–556.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schuler, R. S., & Jackson, S. E. (1987). Linking competitive strategies with human resource management practices. Academy of Management Executive, 1(3), 207–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schulz, R., Greenley, J. R., & Brown, R. (1995). Organization, management, and client effects on staff burnout. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 36, 333–345.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shirom, A., Nirel, N., & Vinokur, A. D. (2006). Overload, autonomy, and burnout as predictors of physicians. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 11(4), 328–342.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siu, O. (2002). Occupational stressors and well-being among Chinese employees: The role of organizational commitment. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 51(4), 527–544.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spector, P. E. (1986). Perceived control by employees: A meta-analysis of studies concerning autonomy and participation at work. Human Relations, 39(11), 1005–1017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spector, P. E., & Jex, S. M. (1991). Relations of job characteristics from multiple data sources with employee affect, absence, turnover intentions, and health. Journal of Applied Psychology, 76(1), 46–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strupp, H. H., & Hadley, S. W. (1977). A tripartite model of mental health and therapeutic outcomes. American Psychologist, 32, 187–196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Yperen, N. W., & Hagedoorn, M. (2003). Do high job demands increase intrinsic motivation or fatigue or both? The role of job control and job social support. Academy of Management Journal, 46(3), 339–348.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Yperen, N. W., & Snijders, T. A. (2000). A multilevel analysis of the demands-control model: Is stress at work determined by factors at the group level or the individual level? Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 5(1), 182–190.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vigoda-Gadot, E. (2007). Redrawing the boundaries of OCB? An empirical examination of compulsory extra-role behavior in the workplace. Journal of Business and Psychology, 21(3), 377–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wall, T. D., Kemp, N. J., Jackson, P. R., & Clegg, C. W. (1986). Outcomes of autonomous workgroups: A long-term field experiment. Academy of Management Journal, 29(2), 280–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warr, P. B. (1987). Work, unemployment, and mental health. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warr, P. (1990). The measurement of well-being and other aspects of mental health. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 63, 193–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wayne, S. J., Shore, L. M., & Liden, R. C. (1997). Perceived organizational support and leader-member exchange: A social exchange perspective. Academy of Management Journal, 40, 82–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, T. A., & Hobfoll, S. E. (2004). Commitment, psychological well-being and job performance: An examination of conservation of resources (COR) theory and job burnout. Journal of Business and Management, 9(4), 389–406.

    Google Scholar 

  • Youndt, M. A., Dean, J. W., & Lepak, D. P. (1996). Human resource management, manufacturing strategy, and firm performance. Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 836–866.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

The present research has been conducted by the Research Grant of Kwangwoon University in 2011.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Business, Kwangwoon University, 26 Kwangwoon-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 139-701, South Korea

    Rhokeun Park

  2. Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA

    Deborah Searcy

Authors
  1. Rhokeun Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Deborah Searcy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rhokeun Park.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Park, R., Searcy, D. Job Autonomy as a Predictor of Mental Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Quality-Competitive Environment. J Bus Psychol 27, 305–316 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-011-9244-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-011-9244-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation