Proactive aggression or passive resistance: A face perspective on why and how illegitimate tasks elicit various counterproductive work behaviours in employees

Abstract Illegitimate tasks are identified as common stressors in the workplace. Yet, research has predominantly linked illegitimate tasks to counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs) while overlooking why and how illegitimate tasks are related to employees' different CWBs. Drawing on the face research and the approach–avoidance framework, this article develops a model that delineates both approach‐ and avoidance‐oriented responses to illegitimate tasks. Specifically, we posit that the two dimensions of face consciousness— desire to gain face (approach‐oriented face) and fear of losing face (avoidance‐oriented face)—differently relate to employees' emotional and CWBs reactions to daily illegitimate tasks. We tested our hypotheses using 855 observations collected from 91 full‐time employees across 10 consecutive working days. Results showed that employees higher on desire to gain face are more likely to feel angry and engage in interpersonal deviance (approach‐oriented CWBs) because of daily illegitimate tasks than those lower on it. Employees higher on fear of losing face, however, are likely to feel anxious and engage in interaction avoidance (avoidance‐oriented CWBs) when confronted with daily illegitimate tasks. Overall, these findings provide a social image and face perspective for understanding employees' various CWBs caused by illegitimate tasks and inspire management practices.