Some Correlates of Discretion for Chartered Surveyors

Abstract

The discretion of professionals in small organizational practices was examined. This research identified three types of discretion: ( 1) discretion over clients; (2) discretion over the choice and sequence of tasks; (3) discretion over task rules and procedures. The first two forms of discretion are associated with high performance and job satisfaction. Discretion over rules and procedures in tasks (contrary to the job design literature) is not associated with satisfaction or performance, and is positively associated with role conflict and role ambiguity. Organization size reduces discretion over clients, but not over tasks. Reduced discretion over clients in turn is associated with low ability to attract wo1.k.

Typology of the Eight Domains of Discretion in Organizations

“…Degree of discretion over 15 simulation-specific organizational issues Dickson (1985) Discretion over client (self-report)…”

“…Discretion, defined as latitude of action or control over how one does one's work, is a central aspect of organizational behaviour, and one with extensive and varied consequences (e.g. Dickson, 1985;Littler et al, 2003;Logan and Ganster, 2007). Control has been identified as a universal human need; all people desire some feelings of control (Deci and Ryan, 2000).…”