Is a Good Deed Constructive Regardless of Intent? Organization Citizenship Behavior, Motive, and Group Outcomes

Abstract

This article develops a theory about how motives behind organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) affect the amount of OCB reciprocated, group cohesion, and group performance. First, the article investigates the interpersonal exchange between peers and how motive perceived by the receiver affects his or her level of reciprocation. Second, it examines the individual attribute of interdependence self-construal as a factor that shifts the severity of this reaction. Third, the article considers OCB and motive at the group level and examines how OCB with impression management motives can be dysfunctional to groups. Specifically, this article argues that OCB with an impression management motive harms group cohesion and group performance.