Research On The Dual-Path Mechanism Of Illegitimate Tasks On Employees’ Taking Charge Behaviors

Employees must perform core tasks that align with their professional identity for high quality and efficiency.However,they often encounter illegitimate tasks that they deem unnecessary or unreasonable.Previous literature has focused on the negative effects of illegitimate tasks.This study suggests that employees may respond with psychological backlash and attempt to prove their professional ability through proactive behaviors.The paper explores the relationship between illegitimate tasks and employees’ taking charge behaviors under different interpretation mechanisms.This paper explores the dual path mechanism of "illegitimate tasks--desire to prove ability--taking charge behaviors" and "illegitimate tasks--work alienation--taking charge behaviors" based on social comparison theory and literature.The paper also examines the moderating effect of growth demand intensity on the relationship between illegitimate tasks,work alienation,and desire to prove ability.Based on the two-point data and empirical analysis results of 230 employees,the paper concludes:(1)Illegitimate tasks have a positive impact on the desire to prove ability,which leads to taking charge behaviors.(2)Illegitimate tasks have a negative impact on taking charge behaviors through work alienation.(3)Growth demand intensity negatively moderates the positive correlation between illegitimate tasks and work alienation.(4)Growth need intensity negatively moderates the positive correlation between illegitimate tasks and the desire to prove ability,further moderating the mediating effect of the desire to prove ability.The findings of this study enrich the research on illegitimate tasks.According to the mechanism of the impact of illegitimate tasks on taking charge behaviors,it is helpful for organizations to comprehensively understand illegitimate tasks and respond in a reasonable way.Meanwhile,employees with high growth demands can better identify illegitimate tasks and reduce the negative effects of illegitimate tasks.In terms of enterprise management practice,the research conclusions have certain practical implications for leaders to allocate reasonable task arrangements,employees to deal with illegitimate tasks and promote employees’ personal growth and development.