A New Source of Psychosocial Stress for Aviation Sector Employees: Illegitimate Tasks

This research aims to understand the mechanisms by which employees are exposed to psychosocial stress (PSOSTR) in work processes through illegitimate task (ILT) experiences. The mediating effect of emotional labor (EL) and the moderating effect of leader-member interaction (LMX) are included in this research. Data were collected through a survey from 251 participants working in the aviation industry in Turkey. Nine hypotheses tested with the SEM statistical analysis method were supported. The results show that ILT increases the psychosocial stress level of aviation employees. Besides, LMX acts as a moderating factor between ILT and EL, EL and PSOSTR, and between ILT and PSOSTR. Additionally, EL serves as a mediating factor between ILT and PSOSTR. The originality of the research lies in the empirical measurement and discussion of the relationships between ILT, EL, and PSOSTR for the first time, considering aviation industry employees. These results fill an important gap in literature. This study contributes to the organizational behavior literature by highlighting how illegitimate tasks, considered unnecessary or unreasonable, directly impact employees' psychological well-being, health, motivation, work efficiency, and endurance. The findings emphasize that when employees face tasks perceived as unfair, their emotional burden grows, leading to higher levels of stress. This situation is particularly critical in the aviation industry, where employees are already subject to intense working conditions and safety- sensitive responsibilities. Furthermore, the moderating role of leader- member exchange underscores the importance of effective leadership practices.