Job autonomy, harmonious passion, and work engagement: The moderating role of observational monitoring

Job autonomy serves as an effective catalyst for passion and engagement in the workplace. However, the rapid advancement of information technology has greatly facilitated observational monitoring, which has the potential to diminish the benefits of job autonomy. Drawing upon self-determination theory, our study explored the mediating role of harmonious passion for work in the relationship between job autonomy and work engagement, as well as the moderating role of observational monitoring in the relationship between job autonomy and harmonious passion for work. Findings from a two-wave survey conducted among incumbent employees (N = 281) revealed that harmonious passion for work partially mediated the relationship between job autonomy and work engagement. Further, when employees perceived a high level of observational monitoring, the positive impact of job autonomy on harmonious passion for work was weakened. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are thoroughly discussed.