Impact of Self Determination Theory Components on Employees’ Performance: a Comparative Study in the Context of Open Plan Offices and Coworking Spaces

Purpose- The main purpose of this research is a comparative study to develop human resource management knowledge in the field of open plan office and coworking spaces in order to fill research gaps. Aims- This study aims to investigate the effects of autonomy, competence, and affiliation on job satisfaction and performance in open plan offices (OPOs) and coworking spaces (CWS); the impact of satisfaction on employee performance; and the mediating role of satisfaction in the relationship between the Self determination theory (SDT) components and performance. Methodology- Using the survey method, employees who work in OPOs and CWS were selected as the samples. A total of 315 employees were selected using convenience method. The main basis of data analysis is the SEM. Finding- The results show that SDT components in OPOs and CWS have different influences on satisfaction and performance. In OPOs, where workers are present on a non-voluntary basis in the context of hybrid work, these elements reduce employees’ tolerance for distractions, disrupt their concentration, and reduce job satisfaction and performance. In CWS, the presence is usually voluntary, and there is a focus on working together and being in a group by creating a social atmosphere. Hence, working in CWS has no significant effect on job satisfaction, but it increases performance. Limitation- First, the research only covers employees in OPOs and CWS in Quebec. The data for both contexts were collected online, which may have reduced the quality of the responses. The number of questions for variables could be increased to reduce bias. Contributions- This paper highlights the effects of high levels of SDT components on satisfaction and performance in two contexts. Also, it used job satisfaction as a mediating and the SDT components as independent variables. It identifies conditions under which the OPOs and CWS can promote SDT components to increase job satisfaction and employees’ performance.