| Abstract: | In a 2 × 2 field experimental test of L. R. Hackman and G. R. Oldham's (1980, Work redesign, Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley) task characteristic model, the moderating effects of a contextual variable, participation, on job redesign were examined. Seventy-six desk receptionists participated in the redesign of their jobs or did not, and/or their jobs were actually redesigned or not. The results found significant main effects of job redesign on several measures of satisfaction. Participation was more limited in its effects, only affecting one of the satisfaction measures. However, both factors significantly affected turnover. In addition, contrary to predictions from the model, employee participation did not enhance the effects of enriched work. The results are discussed in terms of revisions to the theory and the practice of job redesign. |
