Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Leadership Elevate the Level of OCB

Haidy Elmasry, DBA, PhD, Director of HR & Organizational Development, Contact Financial Holding

Haidy Elmasry, DBA, PhD, Director of HR & Organizational Development, Contact Financial Holding

Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) refers to actions or behaviors that are discretionary, not part of an individual’s formal job requirements, and that contribute to the effective functioning of an organization. These actions can include helping coworkers, exhibiting a positive attitude, taking initiative, and participating in organizational activities beyond one’s formal role. OCB is seen as a key aspect of organizational effectiveness because it helps to create a positive work environment, reduces conflict, and increases productivity.

Organizational Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes that characterize an organization. It is the glue that binds employees together and helps to create a sense of community and identity within the organization. Culture is shaped by a variety of factors, including the organization’s history, its mission and values, and the behaviors and attitudes of its leaders and employees.

Leadership, on the other hand, is the process of influencing others to achieve a common goal. It involves the ability to motivate, inspire, and guide individuals or groups to achieve their full potential. Leaders have the ability to create a vision, articulate that vision, and motivate their followers to achieve that vision. They are also responsible for creating an environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas.

The relationship between OCB and leadership is a reciprocal one. On the one hand, leaders shape the culture of an organization and can have a significant impact on employee behavior. On the other hand, the culture of an organization can also influence the actions and decisions of its leaders. A positive organizational culture can support and empower leaders, while a toxic culture can undermine their effectiveness and lead to negative consequences for the organization as a whole.

"Leaders play a crucial role in creating a work environment that fosters and encourages OCB. They set the tone for the organization, model OCB themselves, and use their influence to create a sense of purpose and meaning in the work that employees do"

It’s important for leaders to understand the role that culture plays in shaping employee behavior and to take proactive steps to cultivate a positive organizational culture. This can involve setting clear expectations and standards for employee behavior, providing opportunities for employee engagement and feedback, and promoting a culture of collaboration and trust. By doing so, leaders can create an environment that supports and encourages employee engagement, productivity, and well-being.

Moreover, leaders can also use their influence to create a sense of purpose and meaning in the work that employees do. This can lead to increased motivation and engagement, and in turn, a higher level of OCB. When employees feel that their work is meaningful and that they are making a difference, they are more likely to go above and beyond their formal job requirements.

In conclusion, OCB and leadership are two critical components of organizational management that are closely interrelated. Leaders play a crucial role in creating a work environment that fosters and encourages OCB. They set the tone for the organization, model OCB themselves, and use their influence to create a sense of purpose and meaning in the work that employees do. By doing so, leaders can help to create a more effective, productive, and positive organization.