THE EFFECTS OF WORK CONTROL AND JOB DEMANDS ON EMPLOYEE ADJUSTMENT AND WORK PERFORMANCE

The present study examined the effects of work control and job demands on employee adjustment and work performance using a multidimensional measure of work control (assessing levels of task control, decision co ntrol and work scheduling control). It was proposed that the negative effects of job demands and employee adjustment would be moderated by h igh levels of task control. It was also proposed that there would be e vidence of main effects of both job demands and work control (particul arly task-related levels of control) on employee adjustment. To test t hese predictions, a study of 135 university employees holding administ rative positions was undertaken. Methodological improvements over prev ious research included the use of both self-reported adjustment measur es and supervisor ratings of work performance as outcome variables, an d the assessment of the predictor and outcome measures at different po ints in time (self-reported adjustment was assessed at both Times 1 an d 2). The results revealed some support for the proposal that the effe cts of job demands would be buffered by high levels of task control, b ut not more peripheral aspects of work control. There were also signif icant main effects of task control on job satisfaction.