A Time-Sensitive Perspective on the Relationship Between Illegitimate Tasks with Psychological Need Satisfaction

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between illegitimate tasks – tasks perceived as unnecessary or unreasonable – and psychological need satisfaction (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) in a time-sensitive manner. Using data from an 8-week weekly diary study, we analyzed this relationship at the between-persons and within-person levels. In addition, we explored the temporal patterns of illegitimate tasks, focusing on their variability and inertia. As expected, individuals who generally experienced more illegitimate tasks reported lower psychological need satisfaction. Within-person analyses, however, revealed mostly nonsignificant or even positive associations. Regarding temporal patterns, higher variability in illegitimate tasks was linked to lower psychological need satisfaction, whereas inertia showed no consistent effects. These findings suggest that the level of illegitimate tasks and their fluctuation can shape how employees experience need satisfaction. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how changing task demands impact employee well-being in everyday work life.