Organizational Citizenship Behavior : How to Improve it

You might have heard the phrase “organizational citizenship behavior”, right? Everybody knows that a happy, contented employee is a productive employee. But what about the employees who go above and beyond the call of duty? The ones who always lend a helping hand, never complain, and are always cheerful? These employees are often called organizational citizens who also help other employees in task performance.Though they may not be required to behave in this way, their citizenship behavior benefits the organization nonetheless. So how can you encourage your employees to become more civic-minded? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Organizational Citizenship Behavior?

It is an understood truth that employees’ behaviors matter. Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) is a term that was first introduced in the early 1980s. OCB refers to individual behavior that is above and beyond the normal job description. In other words, it is the discretionary effort that employees put forth which cannot be directly or immediately tied to their job performance or compensation. OCB is related to a variety of organizational outcomes such as productivity, customer satisfaction, profitability, and employee retention. 

Organizational citizenship behaviors are used to describe the extra-role behaviors that employees display to help their organizations succeed beyond their job description. OCB includes things like helping others, being friendly and cooperative, going above and beyond what is expected, and taking on extra work. Thus organizational behavior leads to improved employee job performance.

People who display OCB are often called “good citizens” because they contribute more than what is required of them. OCB is voluntary and typically not directly rewarded, so employees who display these behaviors are doing so out of a sense of responsibility to the organization and its members.

Benefits of Organizational Citizenship Behavior

There are many benefits to organizations when employees display OCB. For one, it can help create a positive work environment and contribute to team morale. Additionally, OCB can help improve communication and cooperation among team members, which can lead to better results. OCB can also help reduce staff turnover and improve organizational efficiency.

1. Increase in Productivity:

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is a term used to describe the voluntary actions of employees that are not part of their job duties but contribute to the smooth operation of the organization. OCB includes behaviors such as helping others, being cooperative and friendly, taking initiative, and going above and beyond what is required.

Studies have shown that OCB can increase employee productivity by reducing stress levels and creating a more positive work environment. In a study by the University of Iowa, employees who engaged in OCB were found to have lower stress levels and less burnout than those who did not. The researchers attributed this to the fact that OCB creates a sense of community and belonging in the workplace, which leads to a more positive work environment.

In addition, research has shown that OCB positively predicts performance. Employees who feel connected to their workplace are more productive than those who do not. A study by the University of Utah found that employees who felt socially connected to their workplace were more productive and less likely to leave their jobs. The study found that social connections at work led to increased job satisfaction, commitment to the organization, and motivation to do well. It helps improve employee engagement and consequently organizational performance. Effective managers encourage workers and help them in performance evaluations

Thus, it is clear that organizational citizenship behavior can increase employee productivity by reducing stress levels and creating a positive work environment. By helping others, being cooperative and friendly, taking initiative, and going above and beyond what is required, employees can create a sense of community and belonging in the workplace. This in turn leads to increased job satisfaction, commitment to the organization, and motivation to do well.

2. Improved Communication Between Employees:

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is used in the field of organizational behavior to describe voluntary extra-role behaviors that are not part of an individual’s job requirements, but that help to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization. OCB can improve communication between employees by fostering a sense of trust and cooperation, promoting a team mentality, and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing information and ideas.

For example, one way that OCB can improve communication is by encouraging employees to socialize with one another outside of work. By getting to know each other on a personal level, employees are more likely to feel comfortable communicating with each other when they are at work. OCB can also encourage employees to give each other feedback and offer suggestions for improvement. When employees feel comfortable communicating with each other, they can work together more effectively and efficiently.

3. A Positive Work Environment:

One way to ensure a positive work environment is by setting clear expectations and guidelines for behavior. This can be done through an employee handbook or code of conduct. It’s important to make sure everyone is aware of these expectations and that there are consequences for violating them.

Another way to create a positive work environment is by establishing a culture of respect. This includes respecting coworkers, managers, and customers. It’s also important to be respectful of different viewpoints and to be tolerant of others’ mistakes.

Finally, it’s important to be positive and supportive of your coworkers. This includes being encouraging and offering help when needed. It’s also important to maintain a positive attitude during difficult times.

4. Increased Job Satisfaction:

Organizational citizenship behavior can contribute to job satisfaction by creating a sense of community and belonging in the workplace. When employees feel like they are part of a team and that their coworkers are supportive, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Additionally, OCB can lead to increased opportunities for advancement and recognition. When employees feel their hard work is appreciated, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs.

5. Better Teamwork:

Organizational citizenship behavior can improve teamwork by fostering a sense of trust and cooperation among employees. When employees feel like they can trust and cooperate with their

Overall, organizational citizenship behavior is a valuable asset to any organization. Employees who display these behaviors are often seen as valuable contributors and are appreciated by their managers and co-workers.

Importance of Organizational Citizenship Behavior

The benefits of encouraging OCB among employees are clear. Not only does it lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction, but it also leads to better customer service and higher profits. In light of the current pandemic, it is more important than ever for organizations to focus on fostering a culture of citizenship behavior among their employees. Those organizations that do so will be better equipped to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

06 Tips To Improve Your OCB Within the Workplace

There are a few things you can do to improve your organizational citizenship behavior within the workplace:

1. Get to know your coworkers on a personal level:

Employees who know one another on a personal level often have better Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) in the workplace. This is because they are more likely to trust and help one another, which can lead to a more positive and productive work environment. There are many ways to get to know your coworkers on a personal level, such as having lunch together, chatting after work, or even playing games together. By taking the time to get to know your coworkers on a personal level, you will likely see an improvement in your OCB and a more positive work environment.

2. Give feedback and offer suggestions for improvement.

Your employee has a lot of potentials and seems to be very motivated to improve their OCB in the workplace. However, here are some specific suggestions that may help them to further improve their behavior:

1. Be more consistent in their behavior – try to exhibit the same level of OCB both on and off the job.
2. Be more proactive in their approach – instead of waiting for things to happen, take the initiative to make things happen.
3. Be more attentive to their surroundings and the people around them – this includes being aware of the company’s policies and procedures, as well as the feelings and needs of their coworkers.
4. Be more mindful of their image and how it affects others – try to project a positive image that others can emulate and support.

3. Volunteer for projects and tasks that may need assistance:

Organizational citizenship behavior is often about going above and beyond what is expected of you. By volunteering for projects or tasks that may need assistance, you are not only helping out your organization, but you are also setting an excellent example for others to follow. This type of behavior often leads to increased opportunities and recognition, as well as a sense of satisfaction from knowing you are making a difference.

4. Be a role model for others:

One of the best ways to improve OCB in the workplace is to be a role model for others. When you exhibit good citizenship behavior, it sets a precedent for others to follow. In addition, it can also inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that can have a positive impact on the entire organization.

5. Encourage others to be their best:

Organizational citizenship behavior is often contagious. When you see someone exhibiting good citizenship behavior, it can inspire you to do the same. Similarly, when you encourage others to be their best, it can positively impact their behavior, as well as the organization’s overall culture.

6. Recognize and reward good behavior:

One of the best ways to encourage OCB is to recognize and reward those who exhibit it. This not only helps to motivate individuals to continue behaving positively, but it also helps to reinforce the desired behavior for others. When organizational citizenship behavior is recognized and rewarded, it often leads to an overall improvement in the workplace.

Organizational citizenship behavior is an important part of any organization. By taking the time to improve your OCB, you can make a positive impact on your workplace. By following the tips above, you can be on your way to becoming a model citizen in your organization.