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Age, Tenure, Resources for Control, and Organizational Commitment

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  • Ted M. Brimeyer
  • Robert Perrucci
  • Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth

Abstract

Objectives. A higher level of organizational commitment for older and more experienced workers has primarily been explained via exchange theory or a cohort effect. We use an agency‐structure framework to explain that higher levels of commitment result from feelings of control in the workplace. Methods. We examine this framework using data from a survey of 400 unionized factory workers in the Midwest. Results. The relationship between organizational commitment and predictors is affected by worker career stage. Most significantly, the commitment for older and more experienced workers increases with high levels of autonomy, while the opposite is true for younger and less experienced workers. Conclusions. When workers experience greater control at the point of production, they express greater organizational commitment. Although empowering for older and experienced workers, having freedom at work can be threatening or destabilizing for the younger workers, who may prefer more guidance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ted M. Brimeyer & Robert Perrucci & Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, 2010. "Age, Tenure, Resources for Control, and Organizational Commitment," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 91(2), pages 511-530, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:91:y:2010:i:2:p:511-530
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2010.00705.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Taylor, Frederick Winslow, 1911. "The Principles of Scientific Management," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, number taylor1911.
    2. Allen, Natalie J. & Meyer, John P., 1993. "Organizational commitment: Evidence of career stage effects?," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 49-61, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ilhami Yucel & Orlando C. Richard, 2013. "Transformational Leadership, Subordinate Experience, and Subordinate Organizational Commitment: Different Leadership Strokes for Different Folks," Bogazici Journal, Review of Social, Economic and Administrative Studies, Bogazici University, Department of Economics, vol. 27(1), pages 19-51.
    2. Quan Hoang Nguyen Tran, 2023. "Workplace Incivility and Its Demographic Characteristics: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between Chinese and Vietnamese Working Adults," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, July.
    3. Yucel, Ilhami & McMillan, Amy & Richard, Orlando C., 2014. "Does CEO transformational leadership influence top executive normative commitment?," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(6), pages 1170-1177.

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