A study on the direct and indirect effects of job autonomy on psychological stress Park Jung-Ryeol1,*, Feng Yi-Tuo1, Li Guozhong2 1Department of MIS, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro Seowon-Gu, Chengju, Chungbuk, Korea 2Department of MSIS, Kunming University of Science & Technology, No. 68, Wenchang Road, 121, Street, Kunming, Yunnam Province, China *Corresponding author: Jung-Ryeol Park Department of MIS, Chungbuk National University, Korea E-mail: Jrpark16@naver.com
Online published on 16 October, 2018. Abstract Background/Objectives This study was focused on identifying direct/indirect effects of job autonomy on emotional stress. The job autonomy sometimes has an direct effect on emotional stress related with irritancy and anxiety on the one hand, and increased autonomy also may indirectly influence and induce psychological stress, by blurring employees’ roles. Methods/Statistical Analysis In order to perform this study, questionnaires were distributed to 300 employees working in autonomous environment. Then, 220 questionnaires were returned, and a total of 195 data were used for model test, by eliminating unnecessary ones. The Smart PLS statistic program was used to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis and tests of convergent and discriminant validity and hypotheses. Findings This study identified direct and indirect effects of job autonomy on emotional stress. The job autonomy has a direct effect on emotional stress such as irritancy and anxiety, and higher job autonomy also has an indirect effect on it by blurring roles. Therefore, it is necessary to consider measures for enhancing job performance and reducing negative effects derived from such autonomy, through continuous interactions and feedbacks between superiors and subordinates, in job environment where job autonomy is given to them. Improvements/Applications This study also supposes that the establishment of corporate measures and policies is very important for alleviating psychological stress derived from job autonomy. Top Keywords Job Autonomy, Psychological Stress, Role Ambiguity, Mediating effect analysis, Change in work environment. Top |