STRESS: CAN IT DRIVE IMMORALITY? ILLEGITIMATE TASKS AS AN ANTECEDENT OF EMPLOYEE EXPEDIENCY AND THE MODERATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED ORGANIZATION OBSTRUCTION

Abstract

Expediency is covert unethical behavior that is subtle but detrimental for an organization. This study aims to investigate when and why employee exhibits expediency. Illegitimate tasks which fall in the category of occupational stressors are examined as a predictor of employee expediency. Moreover, the moderating role of perceived organization obstruction is explored. Data was collected from the private health sector with a sample of 591 supervisor-subordinate dyads and based on three time-lags. The conceptual framework is drawn on the transactional theory of stress and coping. The findings provide empirical support to hypotheses formulated in the present study. The results demonstrate a positive and significant effect of illegitimate tasks on employee expediency. In addition, statistical findings confirm the moderation effect of perceived organization obstruction. Implications and future research directions are also discussed.