Family incivility and organisational citizenship behaviour: roles of negative rumination, workplace friendship and optimism

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to understand the relationship between family incivility and employees' organisational citizenship behaviour. It also explores the mediating role of negative rumination and the moderating roles of workplace friendship and optimism.Design/methodology/approachTo test the hypothesised relationships, 381 responses were collected from employees at two-time points. The hypothesised relationships were tested using process macros.FindingsThe results indicated that family incivility is negatively related to organisational citizenship behaviour and increases negative rumination. The study also established the mediating role of negative rumination in the relationship between family incivility and organisational citizenship behaviour. The study also supported the buffering role of workplace friendship and optimism in the relationship between family incivility and negative rumination.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings extend the understanding of how a non-work stressor can influence employee behaviour in the organisation. The study findings provide valuable directions to mitigate family incivility's adverse effects and extend the existing body of knowledge.Originality/valueThe study is unique as it links family events to work outcomes. Only a few scholarly attempts were undertaken to understand the effect of family incivility on employees' work behaviours. By explaining the mechanism and conditions, the study has a unique value to the scholarship.