Identifying and cultivating voluntary helpful employee behavior

Abstract

Purpose This essay is practitioner-focused and aims to provide the manager or supervisor with a summary of critical information regarding voluntary, employee helpful behavior or organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The summary helps explain motivation and predispositions per OCB, as well as explicit advice regarding ways to encourage and, perhaps, recognize this desired behavior. Design/methodology/approach Methodology is grounded on two elements. First, a literature review of empirical and other research on OCB, pro-social behavior, extra-role behavior, and contextual performance. Second, based on review and brief analysis of features of the behavior to include: definitions, motivation/predispositions, and employee performance, explicit guidance is offered for managers. Findings Critical information is provided about OCB and voluntary helpful behavior. The objective is to identify important aspects of the behavior and place it in a format that is accessible to the typical manager or supervisor. This approach can assist the manager to create appropriate means to identify the desired behavior as well as to encourage it. Practical implications Virtually all of the empirical research on OCB and other forms of voluntary helpful behavior make the case that such behavior is most desirable for the organization, manager, and co-workers. The research also points out that not all employees who engage in the behavior have expectations of recognition or any form of reward for their actions. This essay gives the practitioner information regarding observation of the behavior and its motivation. In addition, advice is provided to assist in stimulating the desired behavior. Originality/value Currently, nearly all of the expressions of OCB and voluntary helpful employee behavior are found in academic journals and related literature. Typically, these sources of information are not readily available to practicing managers. This condition is what prompts an essay aimed at practitioners that captures the essential aspects of the voluntary, desirable employee behavior as well as practical advice.