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Causal inferences between participation in decision making, task attributes, work effort, rewards, job satisfaction and commitment

Brenda Scott‐Ladd (Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia)
Anthony Travaglione (Asia Pacific Graduate School of Management, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia)
Verena Marshall (Graduate School of Business, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia)

Leadership & Organization Development Journal

ISSN: 0143-7739

Article publication date: 1 July 2006

10074

Abstract

Purpose

Regulatory frameworks in Australia encourage employee participation in decision making (PDM) on the basis that participation benefits work effort, job satisfaction and commitment. Although the literature supports this premise, there is little evidence that patterns of causal inference in the relationship are clearly understood. This study aims to examine for structural and causal inference between PDM and the work environment over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to examine longitudinal, matched sample data for causal inferences.

Findings

The paper finds that participation in decision making appears to promote job satisfaction and commitment, whereas task variety and work effort foster participation.

Research limitations/implications

The use of quantitative, self report data, small samples and cross industry data as well as possible overlap between commitment foci may limit the transferability of the findings. It is also important to note causality is merely inferred.

Practical implications

Although participation in decision making positively influences work effort, autonomy and commitment, practitioners need to be mindful of keeping a balance between employee and employer needs. Job satisfaction and commitment are at risk in the long term if participation is viewed merely as a survival strategy for coping with work effort and task variety.

Originality/value

The paper examines inferred causality within a participative decision‐making framework and addresses the previously neglected need for multi‐site and longitudinal studies.

Keywords

Citation

Scott‐Ladd, B., Travaglione, A. and Marshall, V. (2006), "Causal inferences between participation in decision making, task attributes, work effort, rewards, job satisfaction and commitment", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 27 No. 5, pp. 399-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730610677990

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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