Illegitimate Tasks and Family Interference: Mediating Effects of Workplace Conflict and Depression

Abstract

The research paper delves into the complex interaction of illegitimate tasks on work to family conflict with particular focus on the mediating effects of workplace-conflict and depression in the plains of the organizational environment. Based on the data of 400 participants, who were sampled using the convenience sampling methodology, the study endeavors to present a refined description of the mechanism by which non-role-congruent demands in the workplace (also known as illegitimate tasks) provoke emotional and interpersonal stressors that eventually spill-out in other parts of an employee, namely, in the family life. It is evident in the findings that the illegitimate tasks have a high likelihood of causing conflict and maintaining depression at the work place, and subsequently, this situation increases work-to-family conflict. The second area of implications of the study is on the implications of the WCU on a broader sense of employability by looking at the mod teammate effect of an entrepreneurial mindset. The critical influences of the employability mentioned are entrepreneurial education, family support, and social connections. In particular, problem solving and adaptive skills are provided in entrepreneurial education, psychological resilience and confidence are developed by the support of family, and networking opportunities provided by social ties buffer the stress at the workplace. All these can combine to reduce the effects of stressors in the workplace on the family life. The entrepreneurship mindset is established as the possible driver, increasing the positive impact of education, family support, and social capital on the level of attractiveness in the work market. It can also shape the perception and react towards illegitimate work and make them less willing to develop workplace conflict and depressive symptoms, which decreases work-to-family conflict. The model presents all direct and indirect hypotheses and proves all of them correct as the mediation of depression and workplace conflict is of significant influence in the relationship between illegitimate tasks and work-to-family conflicts. Based on the research, the organizational policy needs to focus on reducing illegitimate task assignments and assisting employees to develop resilience by entrepreneurial skills, constructive relationships, and professional network. The findings add value to the dynamically developed discussion of the work life and stress management in contemporary employment settings.