Working in uncertain times : how illegitimate tasks deplete psychological resources and undermine employee outcomes in organisational settings : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

This study began as replication of Zong et al.’s study on the impact of illegitimate tasks on work disengagement. This research now provides an extension to Zong et al.’s research as it investigates the effect of illegitimate tasks on employee well-being, work engagement, and organisational commitment. It aims to better understand the effects of illegitimate tasks on employees, in addition to gaining a perspective on how co-worker support moderates the effects of illegitimate tasks on ego depletion. This research utilised an online survey method to gather data from participants in both Australia and New Zealand who work either full-time or part-time and experience illegitimate task assignment. The results indicate that illegitimate tasks have a depleting effect on employee well being, organisational commitment, and work engagement. Illegitimate tasks negatively impact employees both directly, in the case of organisational commitment and indirectly, through ego depletion, across all dependent variables. A significant finding of this research is the absence of a moderating effect of co-worker support. The absence of a moderating effect is evident at all levels of co-worker support (low, medium and high). From the research findings, it is suggested that organisations eliminate or reduce illegitimate tasks. Proactive measures are encouraged as a means to improve employees’ overall functioning at work, in addition to contributing positively towards organisational outcomes. Addressing and reducing illegitimate tasks is increasingly important within the current context of global economic pressures and rapid technological change, as these conditions are likely to intensify role demands and expose employees to the related resource depletion.