Disentangling task and contextual performance: A multitrait-multimethod approach

Evangelia Demerouti, Despina Xanthopoulou, Ioannis Tsaousis, Arnold B. Bakker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study among 244 employees and their colleagues working in various sectors investigated the dimensionality of self-ratings and peer-ratings of task and contextual performance, using the scales of Goodman and Svyantek (1999). By applying the multitrait-multimethod approach, we examined the degree to which responses to performance items are influenced by the trait (task or contextual performance) and the method factors (self- or peer-ratings). Results of confirmatory factor analyses showed that while the two performance dimensions (i.e., traits) can be differentiated, responses to their items are influenced by the method factor. Specifically, peer-ratings explain more variance in task performance, while self-ratings explain more variance in contextual performance. Moreover, the measurement of task and contextual performance is invariant across self- and peer-ratings. Finally, the positive relationships between task and contextual performance on the one hand and work-related flow on the other hand are of equal strength. These findings support the validity of the performance measure but also highlight some impact of the method factors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-69
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Personnel Psychology
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Contextual performance
  • Multitrait-multimethod approach
  • Task performance
  • Work-related flow

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

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