Is WDLR （Wish for Decision Latitude Reduction） Linked to Work Engagement？ An Exploratory Study Among Knowledge Workers

The present study proposes an exploratory investigation about the WDLR （wish for decision latitude reduction） in the context of work among knowledge workers. WDLR occurs when the scope of latitude is perceived as being too large, when there are too many options to choose from or too many decisions to take. WDLR may involve changing working conditions, jobs involving greater responsibility, project management, and in general, unstructured works such as knowledge work. The study examines the relationship between WDLR and work engagement from the perspective of employees working in the ICT （information and communication technology） sector in Germany. We hypothesize that WDLR is negatively linked to work engagement. Using a web-based survey, data was collected from a sample of 336 ICT workers. Results from multiple linear regression analyses show that WDLR is significantly negatively associated with work engagement. In addition, our findings suggest that this relationship is particularly prevalent among those employees with high job control. The study serves as a starting point for further investigations on WDLR and occupational health related outcomes. Implications of the findings for future research are discussed.