Examining the relationship between task interdependence, relatedness, autonomy, competence and their effects on job satisfaction

Abstract

As a large percentage of organisations work together interdependently, it is beneficial for organisations to understand how the basic psychological needs of the self-determination theory, autonomy, relatedness, and competence might enhance or hinder job satisfaction when working with others. As there have been recent shifts in the workplace due to a worldwide pandemic as well as new developments in research of organisational psychology, this study may provide insight and encourage positive adjustments for organisations. This study aimed to examine the relationship between task interdependence and job satisfaction when the SDT needs were present. Two organisational psychology master’s students conducted a cross-sectional study and gathered 132 participants of 18 years old and older from multiple countries and industries. Contrary to the expectations, there was no association between task interdependence and job satisfaction. There was also no interaction of task interdependence and autonomy on job satisfaction. However, when employee competence and relatedness were present, there was an interaction between high task interdependence and job satisfaction. Lack of power due to an insufficient number of participants may be seen as a critical factor in the results, although other limitations were explored. Future lines of research are discussed to fully understand why task interdependence may affect employees’ job satisfaction when autonomy, relatedness, and competence are supported.