Enterprise autonomy: Myths and realities

Decision-making autonomy may be an important determinant of a business organization's performance. Yet, discussion on the subject has been very limited. Besides, the factors underlying variation in autonomy from one organization to another have not been identified. Lack of empirical studies has led to several stereotypes and myths about autonomy of business enterprises in various economic sectors. Based on questionnaire data and information from interviewing top level executives of enterprises in the public, the multinational and the private sectors in India, the paper identifies sectoral differences in autonomy, the multidimensionality of the concept of autonomy, and the situational determinants of autonomy.