When less is more: Digital tools, autonomy and job satisfaction in the Japanese Workplace

• In Event: Communication, Information Technologies, and Media Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): 11. Jobs & markets

Abstract

This paper explores the complex relationship between digital tools, job autonomy, and job satisfaction in the Japanese workplace. Using proprietary survey data from 6,300 workers collected in 2023, we employ a two-stage instrumental variable approach to address the endogeneity of job autonomy, allowing for a more consistent estimation of causal effects.

Our findings reveal an “autonomy paradox” where technology may offer greater autonomy and flexibility but at the same time induce stress and fatigue. We confirm that while teleworking options and active remote work significantly boost perceived autonomy and satisfaction, the impact of digital tools is non-linear. The data suggests a “less is more” threshold: perceived autonomy follows an inverted U-shape, peaking at approximately five tools before declining due to “digital overload.”

A key contribution of this study is that we uncover clear evidence of “Digital Taylorism.” While monitoring tools have a negligible impact in traditional office settings, they significantly undermine the autonomy of teleworkers. Specifically, general monitoring tools reduce the autonomy benefits of teleworking by approximately 38 percent.

The most striking evidence of Digital Taylorism appears with the use of intrusive mobility and location-tracking devices. For teleworkers subjected to such surveillance, the autonomy “boost” typically associated with telework is reduced to statistical insignificance. In these cases, intrusive monitoring effectively neutralizes the locational flexibility of teleworking, rendering the autonomy of a remote worker indistinguishable from that of an employee working in the office.. We conclude that in the post-pandemic Japanese workplace, “less is more” regarding digital environment, as excessive tools and intrusive monitoring can lead to technostress and diminished employee well-being.

Authors

• Hiroshi Ono, Hitotsubashi University Business School

• Takeshi Mori, Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.