Bratton, Helms Mills, Pyrch, and Sawchuk (2008) discuss five core job characteristics (p.49):
- skill variety
- task identity
- task significance
- autonomy
- feedback
Ideally, the more of these characteristics a job possesses, the more motivated the worker will be in completing the task. Though how much autonomy do we really have in the workplace? Allowing the flexibility to schedule work and process, as well as giving independence to workers can be the proverbial double-edged sword. I am divided by traditional employee/employer relationships, with hegemonic power differentials between the two roles, and a more flexible, autonomous workplace, with more and more employee flexibility. It leaves me wondering how an employer can maintain control over an organization. Am I comfortable with this?
Reflective question:
“Is the term “team” simply a masculine metaphor to cultivate cooperative relations and support management goals?” (Bratton et al., 2008, p.47). My question is what is wrong with supporting management goals? Usually business decisions are made at the management level, and support the goals of the organization. How the goals are achieved is also a management decision. Hegemonic masculinity does not really equate, as it is not the place of the employee to decide how to achieve corporate goals without management approval. Have we given up the right to manage a corporation? Perhaps autonomy is more a deception, as management will continue with its function of guiding an organization. Am I satisfied with this answer? [Something to revisit]
