The majority of existing research has predominantly characterized receiving dependent help in a negative light. We observed that certain assumptions underpinning the conceptualization of dependent help have been linked to these negative consequences. In light of this, the current study aims to challenge the existing literature and investigate its positive function within the context of status attainment, especially when taking the perceived task nature into account. We hypothesized that when the help recipient perceives a higher level of task monotony while receiving dependent help, they will experience an increased sense of status attainment. Our hypothesis was confirmed through a time-lagged study involving 198 full-time employees. The findings indicated that individuals perceived attaining higher status after they received dependent help with more monotonous tasks.
