Understanding organizational citizenship behavior: the counselor’s role

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as a variable to bridge employer’s and employee’s needs from employee counseling. This study examined the relationship between meaningful work, job satisfaction, and OCB and how their positive associations can be enhanced. The role of counselors was discussed, too.

Design/methodology/approach

A moderated mediation model was suggested with the mediation model of meaningful work, job satisfaction, and OCB and the moderator, work time flexibility. Intervention was implemented with the goal of increasing employee’s control over work schedule. Six analyses were conducted to compare before and after the intervention aiming for enhancing employee’s work time flexibility, and one year after the intervention. Comparison between the intervention and the control group was also implemented.

Findings

The result indicated that the intervention was effective but the effect did not last one year after the intervention. This study suggests the role of employee counselors at organization.

Originality/value

Psychological wellness of employees becomes an interest not only of employees but also employers to reduce cost from employee burnout and turnover. Employee counseling can be provided to improve employee’s psychological wellness and also to meet the goal of employers. Integrated perspective serving two purposes is suggested in this study.

Citation

Eissenstat, S.J. and Lee, Y. (2017), "Understanding organizational citizenship behavior: the counselor’s role", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 10 No. 6, pp. 491-507. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-05-2017-0030