The design of a job has a great impact on whether or not the job itself is motivating. One of the characteristics of a job design is autonomy, which is the extent to which the job entails substantial freedom and decision making in carrying it out. What is true about autonomy?

Correct Answer: Option D — Generally, the greater the level of autonomy, the greater the level of intrinsic motivation.

Autonomy empowers individuals by granting them control over their work methods and decision-making processes. This sense of ownership significantly enhances intrinsic motivation, as employees feel more personally responsible for the outcomes of their tasks. Increased autonomy fosters engagement, job satisfaction, and a deeper commitment to the quality of engineering work.