The costs and opportunities of overload: exploring the double-edged sword effect of unreasonable tasks on thriving at work

Over the past decade, the academic community has been increasingly interested in the impact of "unreasonable tasks," a work-related stressor. Extensive research has consistently demonstrated the detrimental effects of these tasks. However, a notable research gap exists in understanding the potential double-edged sword effect they have. To address this gap, the present study developed a moderated dual-mediation model rooted in the cognitive appraisal theory of stress. The primary objective was to investigate the dual nature of unreasonable tasks, specifically examining their influence on thriving at work while considering the underlying factors that shape these effects. Drawing from a sample of 522 participants collected from China, the analysis revealed intriguing findings. On the one hand, unreasonable tasks were found to foster thriving at work by eliciting challenge appraisals. On the other hand, they were also found to impede thriving at work through hindrance appraisals. Moreover, the study uncovered an important moderating role of learning goal orientation for the relationship between unreasonable tasks and cognitive appraisals. These findings make a significant contribution to enhancing understanding of the intricate dynamics associated with unreasonable tasks. They offer pragmatic implications for managers seeking effective strategies to navigate this terrain.