GIVE ME A CHOICE! A FIELD EXPERIMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE EFFECTS OF SMARTWATCH-BASED TASK ASSIGNMENT.

We examine a switch of alternative digitalized task assignment systems that are based on a novel smartwatch-based technology. The established task assignment system delegates tasks directly to workers and should optimize productivity, assuming that workers act fully rational. However, the production faces challenges that are rooted in human agency and lack of autonomy. Combining theories on operational transparency and self-determination, we alter the production system to stop "pushing" work to employees but enabling them to "pull" work independently from a pool of work tasks. We find that the combination of increased transparency and autonomy improves workers' effectiveness and operational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]