Illegitimate Tasks and Negative Spillover: The Roles of Positive Work Reflection and Job Security

Abstract

Workplace illegitimate tasks have been associated with a variety of negative consequences, but there is a need for a better understanding of the processes and contextual factors that influence these effects. This study investigates positive work reflection as a mechanism through which illegitimate tasks are related to negative spillover. Additionally, this research examines job security as a boundary condition of the illegitimate tasks and positive work reflection relationship, as well as the indirect relationship between illegitimate tasks and negative spillover via positive work reflection. To analyze these relationships, I used a daily diary design over a period of ten days. Using multilevel modeling, I explored whether positive work reflection acts as a mechanism in the relationship between illegitimate tasks and negative spillover, and whether job security moderates this pathway. Results confirmed that illegitimate tasks positively predict negative spillover, and that positive work reflection mediates the relationship between illegitimate tasks and negative spillover. Moreover, higher job security attenuates this relationship. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms and boundary conditions in the work home relationship.