Autonomy in the workplace, often misunderstood, is a powerful tool that drives individual fulfilment and organisational success when applied correctly. In this article, we explore the role of autonomy through the lens of self-determination theory, its benefits, and common misconceptions.

There are three basic needs essential for individual satisfaction and high-performance organisational success: A – C – R.

Those familiar with the Spark Intent Performer Framework (Figure 1) will recognise that the entire model is built on three words:

Autonomy
Competence
Relatedness.

Imagine a workplace where every employee is deeply engaged in their role, intent on giving their best effort as standard, and where a palpable connection exists between individuals, leadership, and the company’s purpose.