The benefits of belongingness and interactional fairness to interpersonal citizenship behavior

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the main and indirect effects of belongingness and interactional fairness on interpersonal citizenship behavior. Design/methodology/approach – Field data were obtained from 141 subordinate-supervisor dyads from diverse occupations and organizations within Canada. The study was cross-sectional in nature. Findings – Consistent with expectations the findings demonstrates that interactional fairness positively predicts employee sense of belongingness, and employees show more helping behavior (supervisor rated) when they have a stronger sense of belongingness at work. Belongingness partially mediates the relationship between interactional fairness and interpersonal behavior. Research limitations/implications – Future research could involve investigating a broader range of mediating mechanisms that might promote interpersonal citizenship behavior; for example, trust. As previously indicated, belongingness partially mediates the relationship between interactional fairness and interpersonal citizenship behavior, implying other possible mechanisms through which interactional fairness influences follower behaviors. Moreover, this research can be extended to include to other forms of prosocial behaviors (e.g. innovative behavior). Practical implications – Satisfying employees’ need for belonging is an important aspect of organizational life and useful in promoting helping behaviors among coworkers, it is essential for organizations to, therefore, create a work culture of inclusiveness. It is prudent for organizations to also expend greater effort to maximize interactional fairness by introducing programs intended for training organizational leaders how to be fair. Originality/value – Interpersonal citizenship behavior is important for group and organizational functioning; however, current psychological models are insufficient for understanding these behaviors. To advance the understanding, this study attempts to directly test individuals’ sense of belongingness as the psychological mechanism through which interactional justice can influence interpersonal citizenship behavior.