A Tale of Two Autonomies

Abstract

Despite comprehensive theoretical discussions on the nuances of autonomy, research tends to treat autonomy as a unidimensional concept. In contrast, this study of Norwegian welfare professionals presents empirical support for the multidimensional nature of autonomy, drawing on cross-sectional survey data from three datasets spanning six years. The findings show significant differences between welfare professionals’ experiences of professional and personal autonomy. An analysis of the relationship between professionals’ experience of performance demands and these two types of autonomy challenges the notion that increasing performance demands limits professional autonomy.