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When tasks cross the line: the mediating role of territoriality in the relationship between illegitimate tasks and self-interested voice

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Illegitimate tasks are increasingly prevalent in modern organizations. Prior research has established their harmful consequences and largely explained employee reactions through the lens of task and role incongruence, emphasizing legitimacy judgments and threats to occupational identity. However, the psychological mechanisms through which illegitimate tasks activate employees' motivation to protect their resources remain largely underexplored. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, we explored how territoriality mediates the association between illegitimate tasks and self-interested voice. Additionally, time urgency and perceived organizational politics were identified as moderators. Using a three-wave, time-lagged design with two-week intervals, we collected data from 350 full-time employees, retained 306 valid responses, and tested seven hypotheses. Predictor, mediator, and outcome variables were measured at separate time points. Results suggested that illegitimate tasks were positively linked to territoriality, which was subsequently positively associated with self-interested voice. When both moderators were examined simultaneously, time urgency strengthened the positive effect of illegitimate tasks on territoriality and further amplified the indirect effects. The moderating effect of perceived organizational politics was not significant when examined jointly. This study advances theoretical understanding in the illegitimate tasks and voice literature while providing practical guidance for organizations seeking to optimize task allocation and reduce defensive employee responses.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1962135

Authors: Qian Ruan, Cheng Liu

Institutions: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801