The paradoxical effect of job autonomy on communication overload: a pathway to innovative work behaviour

Purpose This research aims to propose autonomy as a job characteristic that alleviates communication overload, thereby fostering the innovative work behaviours exhibited by knowledge workers. Design/methodology/approach An empirical survey was administered to 277 knowledge workers from diverse sectors in Kuwait. To analyse the interrelations among the three constructs of the research model, i.e. job autonomy, innovative work behaviours and communication overload, the structural equation modelling method was applied, and mediation analysis was conducted using a bootstrapping method to examine the indirect effect of communication overload. Findings The findings indicate that the level of job autonomy has a significant effect on enhancing the innovative work behaviours of knowledge workers. Unexpectedly, the results reveal a significant positive influence of job autonomy on communication overload. Similarly, and contrary to authors’ expectations, communication overload is found to significantly increase the innovative work behaviours among knowledge workers. Additionally, the mediation analysis confirmed that communication overload partially and positively mediates the relationship between job autonomy and innovative work behaviour. Originality/value The relationship between job autonomy and innovative work behaviours, particularly within the context of communication overload, offers a novel perspective on the pivotal role that freedom plays for knowledge workers. Job autonomy appears to foster a personal inclination to engage in collaborations that best align with the knowledge worker’s perception of job needs.