Overview

The Control and Complexity Scale (CACS) is a psychometric tool used to evaluate employees’ perceived control over their work environment and the complexity of their tasks. It measures how employees perceive their autonomy, their ability to
influence their work, and the challenges associated with their job responsibilities.

Purpose

The primary objectives of the CACS are to: Assess the degree of control employees feel they have over their work environment. Examine task complexity and the challenges workers face. Provide insights for job design and workplace improvements to enhance employee motivation and job satisfaction.

Scoring & Calibration

Participants respond to statements on a Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree).The scale evaluates two main dimensions: Perceived control over work tasks and decisions and Task complexity and cognitive demands.Higher scores indicate greater autonomy and task complexity, while lower scores suggest a more rigid or monotonous work structure.

Key References

Hackman, J. R., & Oldham, G. R. (1976). Motivation through the design of work: Test of a theory. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 16(2), 250-279.
Karasek, R. A. (1979). Job demands, job decision latitude, and mental strain: Implications for job redesign. Administrative Science Quarterly, 24(2), 285-308.
Humphrey, S. E., Nahrgang, J. D., & Morgeson, F. P. (2007). Integrating motivational, social, and contextual work design features: A meta-analytic summary and theoretical extension of the work design literature. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(5), 1332-1356.
Sims, H. P., & Szilagyi, A. D. (1975). Leader structure and control: Their impact on group performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 60(4), 411-417.