How Individuals Experience Autonomy in Agile Project Teams

Autonomy is not the same as independence, but a psychological experience of volition and self-endorsement in one’s actions that drives motivation to work on projects. Agile project environments promote autonomy through self-organization and empowerment. Despite widespread recognition of autonomy's importance, a critical gap exists in understanding how individuals subjectively experience autonomy in agile project teams. By applying Q methodology, this study reveals five perspectives on individuals’ experienced autonomy in agile project teams. This study contributes to project management research by providing a nuanced understanding of autonomy's role for motivation in agile project teams. Instrumental contribution is achieved by providing a set of statements to analyze experienced autonomy. For practice, this research gives agile leaders and managers insights into creating a motivating workplace that considers individual differences in autonomy experiences. Future research could further investigate the contextual dynamics that foster and develop these perspectives.