An examination of the dimensionality of non-task performance

The overall domain of job performance can be described in terms of two broad domains: task performance and non-task performance. The domain of non-task performance can be divided further into the broad domains of productive and counterproductive non-task performance. Based on a review of previous research, an overall taxonomy of non-task performance was proposed that delineated the domain of productive non-task performance into three broad factors, and the domain of counterproductive performance into four broad factors. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the broad productive and counterproductive non-task performance factors. Two studies were conducted that gathered self-reported ratings of the extent to which respondents believed they would engage in various productive and counterproductive behaviors, if given the opportunity to do so. The second study also gathered self-reported ratings of the extent to which respondents reported having engaged in various productive and counterproductive behaviors in the workplace. Overall, the results for both samples suggest that productive and counterproductive performance should be conceptualized as separate, yet related constructs. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.