Illegitimate tasks as a source of work stress

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Organizational Behavior
• Workplace Stress Research

Background:

• Illegitimate tasks are defined as job duties violating norms of what employees should reasonably perform.
• These tasks, perceived as unnecessary or unreasonable, pose a threat to professional identity.
• Illegitimate tasks are conceptualized as a stressor within the Stress-as-Offense-to-Self (SOS) framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between illegitimate tasks and employee well-being and strain.
• To determine if illegitimate tasks uniquely predict well-being and strain beyond other workplace stressors.
• To examine the directionality of the relationship between illegitimate tasks and strain.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted: two cross-sectional and one longitudinal (2-month period).
• Data were collected on illegitimate tasks, self-esteem, burnout, resentment, irritability, role conflict, and various forms of justice.
• Statistical analyses controlled for relevant covariates and initial strain levels.

Main Results:

• Illegitimate tasks consistently predicted lower self-esteem, increased resentment, and burnout across cross-sectional studies.
• In the longitudinal study, illegitimate tasks predicted increased resentment and irritability.
• The predictive effect of illegitimate tasks on strain was confirmed, independent of other stressors and initial strain.

Conclusions:

• Illegitimate tasks represent a significant, unique predictor of employee strain and diminished well-being.
• Job design and task assignment decisions should consider the impact of illegitimate tasks.
• Further research and practical attention are warranted for illegitimate tasks in occupational settings.