Challenge or Hindrance? The Dual Path Effect of Perceived Task Demand on In-Role Performance and Work Fatigue

Zhigang Li, Xin Zhang, Junwei Zheng, Zhenduo Zhang () and Pengyu Wan
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Zhigang Li: School of Economics and Management, Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing 100176, China
Xin Zhang: Graduate School of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Junwei Zheng: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Zhenduo Zhang: School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Pengyu Wan: School of Economics and Management, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-16

Abstract: The evidence for the existence of perceived task demand is paradoxical. The purpose of the present study is to explore whether perceived task demand is a challenge or a hindrance stressor. To achieve this research purpose, based on conservation of resources theory, a conceptual model is developed that utilizes both a resource acquisition path and a resource depletion path. Using the experience-sampling method, over five consecutive days, 370 matched data were collected via mobile phone from 74 full-time employees in mainland China. The results show that perceived task demand has the characteristics of both challenge and hindrance stressors. On the one hand, perceived task demand enhances employees’ cognitive engagement, thereby facilitating task performance (resource acquisition path). On the other hand, perceived task demand boosts employees’ cognitive strain, thereby increasing work fatigue and decreasing in-role performance (resource depletion path). This research offers a comprehensive understanding of perceived task demand and provides strategies for task demand management.

Keywords: perceived task demand; cognitive engagement; cognitive stain; in-role performance; work fatigue (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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