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1 – 10 of over 24000
Article
Publication date: 7 March 2016

Paul Lyons and Randall Paul Bandura

The purposes of this paper are to: help managers and other practitioners learn about voluntary, helpful employee behavior; provide examples of how such behavior is manifest in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to: help managers and other practitioners learn about voluntary, helpful employee behavior; provide examples of how such behavior is manifest in everyday work situations, and demonstrate how to assess the behavior for recruitment and selection. A brief study is presented that demonstrates how valid and reliable measures may be used to identify employee predisposition for voluntary, helpful behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Two substantive components of this work are: a detailed literature review that describes and demonstrates the elements of voluntary, helpful behavior (v-hob); and a report of a brief correlational study that demonstrates how two short surveys may help in predicting employee voluntary, helpful behavior.

Findings

Literature review reveals that v-hob is related to many positive employee outcomes among which are better work performance, more positive relationships with co-workers and managers, and lower turnover, as contrasted with employees-in-general. The study undertaken reveals two measures: job dedication, and contextual performance are valuable in predicting employee v-hob.

Research limitations/implications

In the survey portion of this paper the sample size is relatively small yet amenable for statistical analysis. Study participants are representative of a single academic discipline and are representative of the same university. The two survey tools used have repeatedly been shown to have validity and reliability.

Practical implications

This paper offers a detailed view of employee helpful behavior and it helps managers develop ways to assess one ' s proclivity for the behavior.

Originality/value

This paper helps managers, HR specialists and others attain knowledge on the expression of employee v-hob. Two survey tools are provided to help identify employees who may be predisposed to offer this desirable behavior.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 48 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Randall P. Bandura, Richard Johnson and Paul R. Lyons

The purpose of the paper is to examine employee-helpful behavior that is voluntary and given freely without anticipation of reward or recognition. The authors have labeled this…

3118

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine employee-helpful behavior that is voluntary and given freely without anticipation of reward or recognition. The authors have labeled this voluntary behavior in all its forms as v-hob, or voluntary helpful organizational behavior. They seek to define and explain the behavior and attempt to discern measures that will help to discover individual’s predispositions to offer v-hob.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine current theory/constructs and offer a detailed empirical study in identifying measures that may provide some means for assessing employee predisposition toward helpful, voluntary behavior on the job. The format of the work is reflective of a typical research study with hypotheses.

Findings

The authors learned that, within limits, it is possible and practical to identify direct measures to discover one’s predisposition toward v-hob. They also have identified regression equations that use several variables to help predict one’s predispositions toward this valued behavior.

Practical implications

This study brings to the manager and/or human resource (HR) practitioner the substance of contextual performance, that is, behavior that goes beyond task performance in the support of individual and organizational goal attainment. This research demonstrates several means by which trainers, managers and HR professionals may assess an employee’s or a recruit’s predisposition to offer voluntary, helpful behavior.

Originality/value

This research, unlike most of the empirical, academic research in the domain of contextual performance, speaks directly to practitioners. The authors' definitions, explanations and study clearly demonstrate the practical features of contextual performance.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 38 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2021

Paul Lyons, Randall Bandura and Kenneth J. Levitt

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…

155

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.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Paul Lyons and Randall P. Bandura

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of student grade point average (GPA) as a predictor of pro-social, helpful behavior. This voluntary behavior has been shown…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of student grade point average (GPA) as a predictor of pro-social, helpful behavior. This voluntary behavior has been shown to be highly valuable to managers and co-workers. GPA is not only predictive of success in core tasks on the job, it is also predictive of voluntary, helpful behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of literature on predictive value of GPA, in general, as well as that of contextual and helpful behavior on the job is followed by the report of a study with accounting students. The study helps to explain the predictive value of GPA and identifies measures useful in identifying helpful behavior.

Findings

Findings indicate that two, brief, reliable surveys (contextual performance, job dedication), grounded in several research studies are highly related to voluntary, helpful behavior on the job. The relationships are based on observations of the supervisors of the employees. Regression analysis also provides relatively strong prediction equations.

Practical implications

Studies of GPA have focused almost exclusively on the relationship of GPA with job longevity, financial compensation, and technical skill performance. This paper helps demonstrate the positive relationship of the GPA metric with contextual, pro-social, helpful employee behavior.

Originality/value

In the past 35 years research has illuminated the concept that voluntary, helpful employee behavior is as important or even more important than technical skill performance when it comes to unit and/or organizational performance. Very little research has been completed to date to demonstrate that GPA, as a predictor variable, does more than predict skill performance and success on the job. The present study helps to extend the value of GPA as a predictor of success.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 59 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2012

Randall P. Bandura and Paul R. Lyons

This paper aims to present: the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior (V‐HOB); research results regarding how one subset of future business employees, accounting

1051

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present: the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior (V‐HOB); research results regarding how one subset of future business employees, accounting students, may be predisposed to such behavior; and practical training and development approaches aimed at establishing a work environment supportive of V‐HOB.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research involves surveying accounting majors to capture perceptions of predisposition toward V‐HOB. Survey results measure elements of V‐HOB and several task performances. The authors synthesize relevant research, providing pragmatic suggestions for management training and development.

Findings

Data analysis was inconclusive regarding individuals' predisposition toward V‐HOB. This exploratory research suggests that academic success may not indicate V‐HOB predisposition. Training and development may be more effective than attempting to recruit individuals predisposed toward V‐HOB.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations to this exploratory research include a small sample size of a homogeneous group, as to major, class size, university attendance. Future research could focus on V‐HOB predisposition by gender, academic discipline, and country/culture. Broader aspects of task performance including participation and absenteeism could be studied. While more research is needed, these preliminary results may indicate that predisposition toward V‐HOB can be difficult to identify.

Practical implications

The authors provide managerial guidance regarding investment of effort into recruiting candidates having a predisposition toward V‐HOB, and for training toward nurturing an environment in which V‐HOB is more likely to thrive.

Originality/value

This paper defines and describes behaviors which support V‐HOB. A gap is bridged between academic study of such behaviors and pragmatic techniques for development of managers.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2018

Paul Lyons and Randall P. Bandura

There have been few attempts to identify valid and efficient self-assessment measures for use by human resource practitioners or line managers to help distinguish job applicants…

Abstract

Purpose

There have been few attempts to identify valid and efficient self-assessment measures for use by human resource practitioners or line managers to help distinguish job applicants and/or employees who may have a predisposition to offer voluntary helpful behavior, or contextual performance, on the job. This paper (exploratory and correlational) aims to identify measures that are positively and highly related to this valuable work behavior. Findings set the stage for further study and research aimed at creating predictive measures that possess reliable statistical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Study design has two components: first, identity and analysis of measures of performance that are broadly supported in research literature; and second, correlational analysis of contextual performance measures with critical self-assessments. No effort to discover cause and effect linkages is reported; only relationships are disclosed.

Findings

Of the self-assessments examined, two (core self-evaluation and self-efficacy) were found to be positively and significantly related to valid measures of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior, in this case, measures of contextual performance and job dedication.

Research limitations/implications

The study made no attempt to establish statistically valid predictors of behavior. Sample size was relatively small and consisted of students preparing for a career in accounting.

Originality/value

Voluntary, helpful employee behavior is valuable in virtually all organizations. Isolated here are two brief and easy-to-administer self-assessments which may assist in the identification of individuals who possess an inclination to offer such behavior.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 42 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2014

Randall P. Bandura and Paul R. Lyons

The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior and offer a discussion of research that aims to help managers to encourage such…

550

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior and offer a discussion of research that aims to help managers to encourage such behavior among their employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses voluntary, helpful organizational behavior based on a review of recent research, as well as findings from the authors’ research.

Findings

This paper explains that voluntary, helpful organizational behavior could include, for example, taking the initiative to increase one’s knowledge about the job, technology, tools, industry, competitors and so on; making constructive suggestions; taking the initiative to help solve unexpected problems; working diligently to meet some deadlines; and volunteering to help with some tasks that are not part of one’s normal task duties.

Practical implications

The authors reveal that for voluntary, helpful organizational behavior to flourish, manager or supervisor supportiveness is important; management should provide and reinforce procedural justice in the workplace; managers should help employees in attaining job satisfaction; and managers should use positive reinforcement.

Social implications

A set of behaviors that can be useful not only in the work environment but also in society as a whole has been described.

Originality/value

This paper points out that there is little information in practitioner journals addressing the behaviors in pragmatic terms. It also offers practical suggestions for human resource management.

Details

Human Resource Management International Digest, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-0734

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Paul Lyons and Randall Bandura

The aim of this paper is to offer a viewpoint that grade point average (GPA) does more than generally predict success on the job; it also helps predict whether a recruit or…

516

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer a viewpoint that grade point average (GPA) does more than generally predict success on the job; it also helps predict whether a recruit or employee has a tendency to engage in voluntary, helpful behavior in the service of co-workers and the organization. If GPA helps predict both job success or performance, and one’s predisposition to freely offer helpful behavior in the work environment, then the GPA metric has increased value.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of recent and past research demonstrates that voluntary, helpful behavior on the job, adjunct to competent performance of required tasks, results in desirable consequences for the organization, co-workers and the employee. A summary of key points of several studies and some details of a recent study makes clear the link between GPA and helpful behavior.

Findings

Supervisor ratings and two brief surveys have been found to correlate positively and significantly with voluntary, helpful employee behavior. The same surveys also correlate positively and significantly with collegiate GPA.

Originality/value

The combination of metrics identified in this paper is rarely studied or used. The surveys, in particular, may assist recruiters and managers to identify employee value across a broad spectrum of performance.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2012

Randall P. Bandura and Paul R. Lyons

This paper presents: the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior (hereafter, V‐HOB), and an introduction to practical training and development approaches aimed at…

958

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents: the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior (hereafter, V‐HOB), and an introduction to practical training and development approaches aimed at establishing a work environment in which V‐HOB can flourish.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors synthesize relevant research to provide a practical view useful for training and development of managers and supervisors.

Findings

Training and development of existing staff may be a more effective approach than attempting to recruit individuals predisposed toward V‐HOB. Management training and development in the area of V‐HOB can be extremely effective in establishing an environment conducive to organizational success.

Practical implications

The authors provide guidance to managers useful for management training toward nurturing an environment in which V‐HOB is more likely to be manifested.

Originality/value

This paper defines and describes behaviors that support V‐HOB. A gap is bridged between academic study of such behaviors and pragmatic techniques for development of today's managers.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2020

Haemi Kim and Hailin Qu

This study aims to investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying hospitality employees’ social exchange relationships at work by applying the social aspects of work and the…

2037

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the psychological mechanisms underlying hospitality employees’ social exchange relationships at work by applying the social aspects of work and the social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

MTurk was used for conducting a cross-sectional questionnaire survey, targeting frontline employees who were working in full-service restaurants. Descriptive statistic, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were performed.

Findings

Customer-employee exchange had a positive relationship with gratitude. Moreover, gratitude was positively associated with both role-prescribed customer service and extra-role customer service. Leader-member exchange and coworker exchange were positively related to obligation. Obligation had positive association with both role-prescribed customer service and extra-role customer service. The mediating effects of gratitude and obligation were statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

Employees’ social exchange relationship with customers promotes prosocial behaviors by arousing gratitude in them. Moreover, their social exchange relationships with supervisors and coworkers lead to prosocial behaviors by provoking obligation from them.

Originality/value

This research shows the importance of the social aspects of work to contribute to employees’ prosocial behavior in the hospitality industry. Moreover, it proves the critical roles of emotions to guide employees’ decisions about social exchange.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

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