The Psychological Toll of Illegitimate Tasks: How Toxic Workplaces and Work StressAmplify Depression Among Employees

Authors

Seemab Khalid Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FOHSS), University of Central Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Gujranwala, Author
Aamar Ilyas Faculty of Management Sciences, Assistant Professor, University of Central Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Gujranwala, Author
Ahmed Hussain Khan Faculty Member, Green international University, Lahore Campus Author
Abdul Hafeez Department of Management Sciences, Imperial College of Business Studies, Lahore Author
Sheeza Gul Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FOHSS), University of Central Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Gujranwala Author
Areeba Adeel Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FOHSS), University of Central Punjab, Gujranwala Campus, Gujranwala, Author

Illegitimate tasks, depression, work stress, toxic workplace, private sector teachers

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between illegitimate tasks and

depression, whether this relationship is mediated by toxic workplace and work stress among

the private sector teachers of Gujranwala. A serial mediation model was developed to examine

the proposed relationship. This study employed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based research

design. A sample of 1,504 Gujranwala teachers (Mage=19.89years, SDage=1.93) from

different areas of Gujranwala completed an online survey questionnaire from December 2020

to January 2021 to respond to questions on demographic characteristics and items to measure

the variables in the research model. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was

used to assess the measurement model and proposed serial mediation model. Data were

analyzed using SmartPLS software version 3.3.2. The results of the measurement model

showed good reliability and validity for all constructs. The results of the structural model and

hypothesis testing showed that all hypotheses were supported in this study. Particularly, there

was a significant positive relationship between illegitimate tasks and depression(Q1),

illegitimate tasks and toxic workplace (Q2), toxic workplace and work stress (Q3), and the

work stress and depression(Q4). In addition, the results showed that toxic workplace and work

stress serial mediated the relationship between illegitimate tasks and depression(Q5). The serial

mediation model explained 34.6% of the variance of depression. The findings shed light on the

underlying mechanisms that explain illegitimate tasks. Schools and policymakers need to make

better decisions that ultimately could lead to teachers’ working outcomes and achievement.