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Perspective

Autonomy, authority and freedom to act

People need to be able to use their capabilities and influence their work in order to take responsibility for performance.

Understand the perspective See what it means in practice

Core idea

Autonomy requires clear boundaries.

Autonomy means that people can use their capabilities at work. For this to work, the Purpose, boundaries and authority need to be clear.

This perspective shows that people need freedom to act in order to take responsibility. Sufficient authority enables people to turn their desire and capability into responsible action.

Perspective 06

Autonomy becomes powerful when people know what needs to be achieved and have the authority to act within clear boundaries.

What this means for organisations

Executives, HR and managers need to create boundaries that enable responsibility.

In practice, this perspective means being clear about what teams and individuals can decide, influence and develop. This allows people to use their freedom to act responsibly and with confidence.

Executive leadership

The direction needs to be clear.

Executive leadership needs to create shared direction so that autonomy supports responsible action within a clear overall direction.

HR

Roles and responsibilities need to align.

HR can contribute by showing where roles, responsibilities, authority and conditions need to support one another more effectively.

Managers

Dialogue clarifies where people are free to act.

Managers need to create conversations about what the team can handle independently, where support is needed and what needs to be escalated.

Connection to Verksamhetsskap®

Verksamhetsskap® combines autonomy with clear direction.

Verksamhetsskap® organises work around a clear Purpose and the conditions people need to act. Clear boundaries show what needs to be achieved, while authority and freedom to act enable people to apply their capabilities and judgement close to the work.

Agerus puts this into practice through surveys, a digital platform, training and consultancy support that show where direction, authority and responsibility need to be connected more clearly.

  1. PurposeGives work direction and meaning.
  2. ConditionsEnable people to succeed.
  3. DialogueCreates shared understanding in everyday work.

Explore further

See the perspective in a wider context.

Next perspective

Responsibility requires influence

Explore why people need to be able to influence what they are expected to take responsibility for.

Go to Perspective 7

Related principle

Performance requires authority

The principle shows how clear boundaries and genuine freedom to act strengthen responsibility and performance.

Go to the principle