The Curvilinear Relationship Between Telecommuting and Work Engagement: The Roles of Autonomous Motivation and Work Boundary Strength

This study explores the curvilinear relationship between telecommuting and work engagement based on self-determination theory, while examining the mediating role of autonomy motivation and the moderating effect of work boundary strength. Data were collected from 358 members of knowledge enterprises over three waves, each 10 days apart. Hierarchical regression analysis and PROCESS macros were employed to test the conceptual model. The findings reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between telecommuting intensity and both work engagement and autonomy motivation. Autonomy motivation mediates the relationship between telecommuting intensity and work engagement. Work boundary strength moderates the inverted U-shaped relationship between telecommuting intensity and autonomy motivation. By investigating the inverted U-shaped relationship between telecommuting intensity and work engagement, this paper offers a new explanation for understanding the differences between telecommuting and work engagement. It also extends the interpretation of the "too much of a good thing" effect in the workplace and enriches research in the field of telecommuting.