Psychosocial Predictors of Job Autonomy in Pakistani Personnel

Abstract

Job autonomy plays an important role in employee well-being, satisfaction and motivation but the psychosocial factors that can affect them have limited research in Pakistani context. This qualitative study aims to explore the psychosocial factors of job autonomy from the perspectives of employees. 15 interviews were conducted and data was collected from employees of different occupations through semi-structured interviews analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings indicated that psychosocial factors that can affect job autonomy are based on three levels (individual, interpersonal and organizational) psychosocial factors. Alongside, participants' results also reported that autonomy can be experienced positively, negatively and excessively. This indicates that effective job autonomy is not only the result of individual capability but also based on a supportive interpersonal and organizational environment. These strategies can provide strategies for organizations which can better employees autonomy and overall workplace well-being.