ABSTRACT
The two-process theory of perceived control models two different paths people use to gain a feeling of control in the interaction with the environment. The first is primary control in which individuals change the environment to fit personal goals and wishes. The second path is secondary control in which individuals psychologically adapt themselves to fit in with the environment. The two paths are complementary, together enabling individuals to flexibly cope with environmental constraints. The theory is popular in psychological research as it provides a generous lens to view the positive value of so-called maladaptive behaviours in traditional Western psychology. It gives workplace researchers and practitioners a different angle to view the relationship between users and the physical workplace. Affected by the autonomously functioning tradition of Western psychology, the mainstream of existing workplace research works has unilaterally stressed a lot on empowering workplace users to create, change and control the environment to fit personal needs. As a result, self-adaptation at workplaces has been undervalued in the workplace literature. The two-process theory of perceived control provides a valuable framework to investigate the trade-off between primary control and secondary control and to realise the true value of self-adaptation at workplaces.
