Is role clarity and workplace autonomy the key dilemma for multinational telecommunication organizations in developing countries?

Abstract

Role clarity and workplace autonomy are always considered a dilemma for employees to perform better to achieve their desired targets, which can affect organizational performance. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of role clarity and work autonomy on the performance of employees with the mediating influence of organizational commitment. Classical organization theory and role theory constitute the methodological framework of the study. Structural equation modelling and confirmatory factor analysis were used as research methods. Data is gathered from 311 employees of five different multinational telecommunication organizations operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Islamabad and Rawalpindi City, Punjab, Pakistan through a convenience sampling. We used AMOS for data analysis. The research results revealed that role clarity and work autonomy have a significant positive effect on the work performance of individuals. Similarly, organizational commitment demonstrated the partial mediation between the association of role clarity and work autonomy with work performance among employees of multinational telecommunication organizations. Employees who are uncertain about their job responsibilities are unable to be engaged and motivated at work. Organizations, therefore, should eradicate role ambiguities and conflicts to boost staff commitment by propping a clear role for the enhancement of work performance. This research extends the role theory, and our findings can give companies insights into how to customize autonomy levels for maximum productivity.