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The Moderating Role of Job Autonomy in the Relationship between the Use of Performance Appraisals and Job Satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Grund, Christian

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Nießen, Anna

    (RWTH Aachen University)

Abstract

We explore the moderating role of job autonomy for the link between the use of performance appraisals and employees’ job satisfaction. Results based on German linked employer-employee panel data show that performance appraisals are linked to higher job satisfaction at moderate levels of job autonomy, whereas this positive relationship weakens at both low and high levels of autonomy. Moreover, the interplay between performance appraisals and job autonomy appears sensitive to broader institutional and contextual factors, such as the existence of employee representation, perceived job security, and design of the performance appraisals. Our findings highlight the complex role of job autonomy in shaping employee responses to performance management, underscoring the need for context-aware human resource practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Grund, Christian & Nießen, Anna, 2025. "The Moderating Role of Job Autonomy in the Relationship between the Use of Performance Appraisals and Job Satisfaction," IZA Discussion Papers 18191, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18191
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dirk De Clercq & Steven A. Brieger, 2022. "When Discrimination is Worse, Autonomy is Key: How Women Entrepreneurs Leverage Job Autonomy Resources to Find Work–Life Balance," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 177(3), pages 665-682, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M5 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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