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Declining autonomy at work in the EU and its effect on civic behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Helena Lopes

    (Dinâmia’CET–ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Sérgio Lagoa

    (Dinâmia’CET–ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Teresa Calapez

    (BRU-IUL, ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show that social benefits may accrue from work environments that support autonomous forms of work. Based on social psychology, economics and philosophy approaches, the authors argue that autonomy is a basic human need which, when satisfied, enhances civic behavior. Using individual data from the EWCS, the article finds evidence of the positive effect of work autonomy on volunteer work and political/trade union activities. Overall, work autonomy has decreased over the last 15 years for all skill levels in the EU, though there are substantial differences between countries. Organizational practices that promote autonomy should be deliberately stimulated if civic participation is to be furthered.

Suggested Citation

  • Helena Lopes & Sérgio Lagoa & Teresa Calapez, 2014. "Declining autonomy at work in the EU and its effect on civic behavior," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 35(2), pages 341-366, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:35:y:2014:i:2:p:341-366
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X13484606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jungook Kim, 2025. "Ownership, participation, and political behaviors: A latent-class analysis approach to democratic spillover," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(4), pages 1031-1059, November.
    2. Bram Geurkink & Agnes Akkerman & Roderick Sluiter, 2025. "Reinforcing the educational divide at work. How access to workplace political socialisation increases differences in political participation," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 31(4), pages 429-449, November.
    3. Helena Lopes & Teresa Calapez & Diniz Lopes, 2017. "The determinants of work autonomy and employee involvement: A multilevel analysis," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 38(3), pages 448-472, August.
    4. Johannes Kiess & Andre Schmidt, 2025. "The political spillover of workplace democratization: How democratic efficacy at the workplace contributes to countering right-wing extremist attitudes in Germany," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 469-495, May.

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