Beyond the Sweet Spot: Testing Nonlinear Relationships Between Two Autonomy Facets and Work Intensification

Abstract: Recent research challenges a purely positive view of high job autonomy by demonstrating its association with job demands. Based on the Vitamin model and empirical evidence for nonlinear relationships of autonomy with work outcomes, we investigate the nature of the relationship of work methods and work scheduling autonomy with work intensification. Using spline models in two studies ( N 1 = 501 British; N 2 = 569 German employees), we found nonlinear relationships: An initial negative relationship with work intensification for low to medium job autonomy levels disappeared at high levels. In Study 1, we even found a shift into a positive relationship for work methods autonomy. Overall, our findings suggest a complex role of job autonomy at work.