Illegitimate tasks

Obstacles to trans equality at work

Bibliographic Data

ID12920946
AuthorsCarolina Pía García Johnson (0000-0001-8564-2317, Philipps University of Marburg, corresponding author), Kathleen Otto (0000-0001-5737-2575, Philipps University of Marburg)
Year2021
Volume37
Issue6
Pages763-781
Publication date2021-08-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGender in Management An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1754-2413 • E-ISSN: 1754-2421
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/gm-04-2020-0118
OpenAlexW3194444972
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited38

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationship between the reported frequency of illegitimate tasks undertaken at work (FREQIT) and gender identity among cisgender individuals and persons with a (?) transgender or gender non-conforming (TGNC) identity. Design/methodology/approach This research combines an experimental approach with a field-study. Study 1 contained a vignette experiment where participants reported their likelihood to assign illegitimate tasks (IT) to either a cisgender or a TGNC employee. Study 2 measured perceptions of tasks-illegitimacy (PERTI), FREQIT, perceptions of organisational gender climate (PGC), burnout and intention to quit among a sample of cisgender and TGNC participants. Findings In Study 1, individuals in a supervisory position were more likely to assign IT to TGNC than cisgender employees. In Study 2, gender identity influenced burnout, intentions to quit and PGC, serially mediated by PERTI and FREQIT. The results from Study 2 did not support the initial model, which proposed that lower PERTI would lead TGNC employees to report a higher FREQIT, leading to lower occupational well-being scores. Instead, TGNC participants’ burnout, intention to quit and PGC scores improved as a consequence of their lower PERTI. However, when comparing cisgender and TGNC individuals, the latter presented higher levels of burnout, intentions to quit and lower PGC scores. Originality/value This is the first study measuring the effects of IT on TGNC individuals’ occupational well-being. It underscores the importance to reduce cisgender biases and transphobia and to address IT as obstacles to trans equality in the workplace

Burnout · Gender identity · Transgender · Clinical Psychology · Gender Diversity and Inequality · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies · Social Psychology

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