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ABSTRACT
Past research in the self-determination theory has shown that autonomous motivation is associated with positive outcomes (e.g., work satisfaction), whereas controlled motivation is related to negative outcomes (e.g., anxiety). The purpose of the present research was to examine the moderating function of role ambiguity on the relationships between work autonomous and controlled motivations on the one hand, and work satisfaction and anxiety on the other. Six hundred and ninety-eight workers (449 men and 249 women) participated in this study. Results revealed that autonomous motivation was most strongly related to satisfaction when ambiguity was low. In addition, controlled motivation was most strongly related to anxiety when ambiguity was high. In other words, the present findings suggest that the outcomes associated with each form of motivation may vary as a function of role ambiguity. The present study thus offers meaningful insights for organizations, managers, and employees.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Nicolas Gillet
Nicolas Gillet is an associate professor at the University François-Rabelais of Tours. His research interests include motivation, well-being, and performance in the work domain.
Evelyne Fouquereau
Evelyne Fouquereau is a full professor at the University François-Rabelais of Tours. Her research interests include management, psychological health, and psychosocial transitions in the work domain.
Marc-André K. Lafrenière
Marc-André K. Lafrenière is a post-doctoral fellow at McGill University. His research interests include motivation and passion in various contexts.
Tiphaine Huyghebaert
Tiphaine Huyghebaert is a post-doctoral fellow at the University François-Rabelais of Tours. Her research interests include organizational factors, motivation, and well- and ill-being in the work domain.