Effect of Self-Challenges on Task, Contextual and Counterproductive Performance: A Study with Special Reference to ASHAs

Abstract

Health is a vital component of sustainable human development. The foundation of India’s healthcare system is its network of Accredited Social Health Activists, or ASHAs (ray of hope). ASHAs play a vital role in connecting the community with healthcare services, serving as intermediaries, providers, and activists at the bedrock level. This government-led scheme has an army of over a million, the biggest community health initiative in the world. ASHAs have an immense potential to bring transformative change in the health system scenario. However, near to two decades after the introduction of ASHA, they face multifaceted challenges related to self, institutional, community, pandemic, etc. This study highlights the effect of Self-challenges of ASHAs on task performance, contextual performance and counterproductive performance. Data was collected from 479 ASHA workers from all six administrative divisions of Haryana using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. The findings of the study indicate that the self-challenges have a negative effect on task performance and contextual performance. Also, the outcome of the study found that self-challenges have a more negative effect on contextual performance as compared to task and counterproductive performance. This study will help the ASHAs to overcome their self-challenges and boost their performance which will strengthen the healthcare system.