Illegitimate Tasks and Counterproductive Work Behavior: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Toxic Workplace Culture and Employee Relationship Conflict

Abstract

This research study identifies the role of illegitimate tasks on counterproductive work behavior (CWB) in Gujranwala based washing machine industry by mediating role of toxic workplace and employee relations conflict. Illegitimate tasks are considered unreasonable or inappropriate demands that employees face, impacting their job satisfaction and overall productivity, which has been shown to lead to higher CWB as well. It further explores the relationship between illegitimate tasks and CWB, considering the toxic workplace, marked by poor communication, lack of trust and negative organizational culture, as a moderator. It also investigates employee relations conflict as a possible mediator that amplifies the effects of illegitimate tasks on CWB. Cashing a sample of 400 employees from the washing machine industry in Gujranwala, this study has the significance of bringing attention to aspects of task illegitimacy, workplace toxicity and interpersonal conflicts, and ultimately how task illegitimacy breeds of workplace toxicity and interpersonal conflicts which contribute to negative workplace outcomes. Management and HR managers should consider this information in their respective settings and use it to lessen the effect of both in organizations to ensure the well-being of employees but also discourage CWB across the broader industry.