Interdependence as an I(-)Deal: Enhancing Job Autonomy and Distributive Justice via Individual Negotiation

Drawing on the concept of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), the study tests assumptions regarding interdependencies between individuals and organizations in determining work and employment conditions. I-deals are personalized arrangements individual employees negotiate with their employer. We suggest that workers use i-deals to make their jobs more intrinsically and extrinsically rewarding. Ex post negotiation is assumed to have positive effects on autonomy and distributive justice, which should mediate a positive relationship between i-deals and job satisfaction. Cross-sectional (N = 373) and longitudinal (N = 74) survey data support the hypothesized relationships. The potential of i-deals as a means for individualizing organizations and further research needs are discussed.