Paper Number
ECIS2026-1843
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
Low-code and no-code (LC/NC) platforms enable nontechnical professionals to build software, forcing organizations to balance autonomy with oversight so initiatives align with strategic goals. This multi-case study examines how governance mechanisms in LC/NC environments shape psychological ownership and autonomy, and how these dynamics affect development outcomes. We introduce perceived controllability as the micro-mechanism linking governance to behavior and results. We theorize a directional process in which governance arrangements are interpreted as shifts in perceived controllability; these shifts influence how autonomy is enacted and how psychological ownership and outcomes consolidate or erode. This perspective explains why governance framed as enablement can easily be experienced as policing. Our study advances IT governance research by conceptualizing governance as a dynamic calibration system mediated by perceived controllability. We distinguish autonomy from psychological ownership and show that sustained autonomy strengthens ownership and supports quality and continuity. Citizen developers vary by maturity and task novelty.
Recommended Citation
Alguera Kleine, Rebecca and Elshan, Edona, "Exploring The Role Of Autonomy and Psychological Ownership Of Citizen Developers In Low-Code Projects" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 4.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/isd_pm/isd_pm/4
Exploring The Role Of Autonomy and Psychological Ownership Of Citizen Developers In Low-Code Projects
Low-code and no-code (LC/NC) platforms enable nontechnical professionals to build software, forcing organizations to balance autonomy with oversight so initiatives align with strategic goals. This multi-case study examines how governance mechanisms in LC/NC environments shape psychological ownership and autonomy, and how these dynamics affect development outcomes. We introduce perceived controllability as the micro-mechanism linking governance to behavior and results. We theorize a directional process in which governance arrangements are interpreted as shifts in perceived controllability; these shifts influence how autonomy is enacted and how psychological ownership and outcomes consolidate or erode. This perspective explains why governance framed as enablement can easily be experienced as policing. Our study advances IT governance research by conceptualizing governance as a dynamic calibration system mediated by perceived controllability. We distinguish autonomy from psychological ownership and show that sustained autonomy strengthens ownership and supports quality and continuity. Citizen developers vary by maturity and task novelty.
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