Dimensions of Job Control in Computerized and Traditional Office Work and Its Health Effects

This study investigates whether a consistent relationship exists between computerization and job control. It also examines the role of job control as a predictor of stress symptoms typical for data entry and word processing (VDU) work. Two groups of VDU users and two comparable non-VDU-user groups took part in this study. A special questionnaire made it possible to assess global job control and four indexes of control related to specific aspects of work (control over choice of tasks and methods, control over time frame, control related to one’s skill, and control related to participation in the decision-making process). Results did not show an unequivocal relation between computerization and the latitude of control. The latitude of control depends on the task performed and the aspect of control we are considering. Regression analyses showed that global control is a good predictor of job satisfaction, some mood disturbances, and visual complaints. The other aspects of control are related in a variety of ways to stress symptoms. The role of a Type A behavior pattern in the relationship between job control and stress symptoms varies depending on which aspect of control is being considered. It was concluded that because of the high functional differences between various aspects of control, it is better to avoid using the concept of global control and, when possible, apply specific indexes of control.