Transforming the work environment: Do norms influence organizational citizenship behavior

Motivation refers to getting people energized and directed to behave in a certain manner and to maintain that behavior over time. This study focuses on one set of motivated work behaviors, organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs).; OCBs are extra-role behaviors (not formally required or rewarded by the organization) that contribute to effective organizational functioning. In the quickly changing environment of today's organizations there is a growing need for additional contributions beyond what is formally required of employees. Many organizations are acknowledging the importance of OCBs and want to encourage these behaviors (Kanter, 1989). While extensive research has been done with work attitudes and personality attributes, little research attention has been paid to situational factors in the work environment that may influence OCB.; The purpose of this study was to investigate what role one specific aspect of the work environment, organizational norms, may play in the occurrence of OCB. Norms are guidelines for social behavior and an important component of group influence in the psychological work environment.; Cooperation theory is presented as a theoretical framework for understanding the connection between the informal organization and OCB. Cooperation theory builds upon social exchange theory to provide a broader understanding of OCB as a social behavior. This study also begins a line of research that can further our understanding of the conditions within which OCB occurs.; One hundred seventy work groups comprised of a subordinate, supervisor and co-worker completed questionnaires. The subordinate responded to personality attribute and work attitude questions. The supervisor rated the subordinate's OCB and work performance. All three respondents evaluated organizational norms. The responses from the three sources were aggregated to create the work group measure of norms. Results confirm the relationships among work attitudes, personality attributes and OCB found in previous research and support the impact of the work environment on OCB. The measurement of organizational norms represents a social aspect of the work environment and provides insight into the informal organization. In addition to its theoretical contribution, this study has practical implications for managers trying to motivate OCB in their work groups.