ABSTRACT
Action regulation theory addresses the cognitive regulation of actions. Action regulation takes place on three levels: automated regulation, flexible action patterns, and intellectual regulation. These regulation levels are activated on an as-needed basis to sequentially perform actions contributing to achievement of goals and sub-goals. Action regulation is described in terms of regulation requirements (complexity) and regulation possibilities (control).
Applied to the work environment it provides a psychological account of regulation problems or environmental stressors in three broad categories. Regulation obstacles refer to regulation difficulties caused by unfavourable environmental conditions and interruptions by people. Overtaxing regulations refers to overload caused by overstimulation by task inherent factors, physical environment, or social environment. Regulation uncertainty refers to qualitative overload. Action regulation theory generally contributes to the understanding of job demands, resources, and stressors at work and its application in workplace research allows identifying and understanding environmental influences, as part of work conditions, on employees.
