Interventions to support autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs in organizations: A systematic review with recommendations for research and practice

Organizational research underpinned by self-determination theory (SDT) has grown substantially over the past decade. However, effectiveness of interventions designed to promote support for basic psychological needs in organizations remains ill documented. We thus report results a qualitative systematic review and synthesis SDT-informed studies cultivate autonomy, competence, relatedness needs, turn, autonomous motivation organizational contexts. Studies were included if they evaluated effect develop autonomy-, competence-, or relatedness-supportive work climates leader behaviours. A search yielded ten eligible field inclusion: three randomized-controlled trials seven non-randomized intervention (combined N = 2,337). Seven mostly favourable effects, two mixed one study showed no evidence change post-intervention. Substantial heterogeneity format delivery existed across studies. pointed towards possible moderators effectiveness. Interventions more effective at spawning proximal (leader) level than distal (subordinate) level, though few tracked employees time comprehensively evaluate long-term transfer. Bias assessments that risk bias was moderate high discuss overall implications suggest several recommendations future practice. Practitioner points help leaders subordinates' are creating behaviour. Intervention effects subordinate outcomes smaller may take materialize. tend be aligned with strategic proactively consider unique contexts, endorsed senior levels management, give preference pedagogy aligns needs.