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Research Article

Motivational Role of Self-Efficacy: Reinforcement Effects of Worker Cooperatives and Autonomy

Rhokeun Park

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Published: January 2022 · Vol. 51, No. 1 · pp. 79-99

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17287/kmr.2022.51.1.79

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Abstract

This study examines whether self-efficacy can play a role as a motivator. By integrating person-environment fit theory and the job demands-resources model, this study investigates whether worker cooperatives interacts with self-efficacy to reinforce employees’ intrinsic motivation. Since worker cooperatives are owned and managed by members who work for the organizations, the members are provided with considerable autonomy. If employees with strong self-efficacy are given considerable autonomy, their intrinsic motivation will be reinforced because a means to actualize their self-efficacy is provided. Thus, this study explores whether worker cooperatives, through autonomy, play a role as an organizational resource that can strengthen the relationship between self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Using a multilevel mediated moderation model, this study analyzed the surveys conducted at worker cooperatives and corporations in 2019. The findings of this study provided evidence that worker cooperatives strengthen the relationship of self-efficacy with intrinsic motivation because they provide their members with more autonomy than corporations. Thus, the findings of this study provide implications on how worker cooperatives and autonomy can change the relationship between self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature by offering a mechanism through which worker cooperatives play a moderating role through autonomy.
Keywords: self-efficacyintrinsic motivationautonomyworker cooperativejob demands-resources model