Relationship of immediate workspace and environmental workplace with organizational citizenship behaviors

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of immediate workspace satisfaction (IWS) and environmental workplace quality (EWQ) on perceived organizational support (POS), engagement and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). In this paper, we draw on social exchange theory and environmental psychology to propose IWS and EWQ as drivers of employee OCBs. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted with 1,206 full-time employees. The EWQ measure was assessed with a randomly selected calibration sample (n = 603). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized model (n = 603). Findings: IWS and EWQ both are positively related to employees’ OCBs. For IWS, the effect was fully mediated by POS while POS and engagement partially mediated the EWQ–OCB relationship. Research limitations/implications: The survey was conducted at one point in time and may introduce common method variance. Practical implications: High-quality, satisfying workspace and workplace environments motivate employee OCBs through POS and work engagement. Originality/value: This study introduces a scale for measuring EWQ. Empirical evidence provided to support the effects of two contextual perceptions—IWS and EWQ—on employee discretionary behaviors.