Thriving in Autonomy: Why Self-Management Doesn't Lead to Burnout
One question frequently arises when discussing self-managing organizations: Isn't it overly taxing? The concern is understandable. With the implementation of self-management, emphasizing autonomy, authority, and responsibility at the frontline, there's a fear of overburdening employees and leading them toward burnout. Burnout poses a significant organizational challenge, as individuals experiencing work-related stress are at risk of various health issues. However, it is also an ill-founded concern. Let me explain.
The Demand-Control Model
To shed light on why self-management, when executed effectively, doesn't exacerbate stress for employees, we turn to the work of Robert Karasek. Renowned for his contributions to occupational health psychology and stress research, Karasek, in collaboration with Töres Theorell, developed the 'Demand-Control model.'
This model posits that work-related stress stems from the interplay between two crucial factors:
1. Job Demands
Job demands refer to the physical, psychological, social, or organisational aspects of a job that require effort and skill from the employees. Think about things like workload, time pressure, conflicting demands, and emotional labor.
2. Job Control
Job control, also known as decision latitude, refers to the degree of autonomy and discretion that employees have in carrying out their tasks, making decisions, and using their skills. High job control implies that employees have more freedom and authority over their work, while low job control indicates limited autonomy and discretion.
The Four Quadrants of the Demand-Control Model
Combining these factors yields four quadrants representing different levels of job-related stress:
1. Low Strain (Low Demand, High Control)
Jobs characterized by low demands and high control are typically less stressful, as employees have the resources and autonomy to manage their tasks effectively.
2. Passive (Low Demand, Low Control)
In these roles, both job demands and control are low, often resulting in disengagement and lack of motivation among employees.
3. High Strain (High Demand, Low Control)
This quadrant signifies situations with high job demands coupled with low control, leading to heightened stress levels and increased risk of stress-related health problems.
4. Active (High Demand, High Control)
Jobs with high demands and high control are challenging and engaging, fostering a sense of fulfillment and achievement among employees who possess the resources and autonomy to manage their work effectively.
Applying the Demand-Control Model to Self-Managing Organizations
Self-managing organizations, which operate on principles of autonomy, distributed decision-making, and employee engagement, offer a unique perspective on the Demand-Control model. In these decentralized entities, teams and individuals wield greater control over their work processes and decision-making compared to traditional hierarchical organizations.
Successful self-managing organizations typically address the key factors of the Demand-Control model as follows:
High Job Demands
Contrary to some perceptions, self-managing organizations often face high job demands. However, they approach these demands differently than their hierarchical counterparts. Instead of relying on top-down directives, self-managing teams and individuals autonomously decide how to pursue organizational objectives and respond to market needs. Furthermore, self-managing organizations exhibit flexibility in work organization, allowing employees to adapt to changing demands and prioritize tasks based on their expertise and interests.
High Job Control
Self-managing organizations inherently prioritize job control by empowering employees to make decisions about their work, set their own goals, and manage their tasks autonomously. Within a clear framework, teams and individuals possess the authority to determine how they will accomplish their objectives, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. By distributing decision-making power, these organizations aim to enhance job control and provide employees with the autonomy they need to thrive.
Self-Managing Organizations are 'Active'
Despite the demanding nature of self-managing organizations, the Demand-Control model suggests that high job demands paired with high job control mitigate the risk of stress-related issues. These organizations operate in the 'Active' quadrant, empowering employees with autonomy and decision-making authority, thereby reducing stress and enhancing job satisfaction.
The model underscores the effectiveness and quality of work associated with 'active jobs.' Conversely, roles in the other quadrants tend to lead to adverse outcomes. Thus, organizations and teams are encouraged to pursue challenging tasks while providing the necessary autonomy, authority, and decision-making powers for self-organization.
In conclusion, long live active jobs. Long live the self-managing organization.
