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Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the People's Republic of China

Author

Listed:
  • Jiing-Lih Farh

    (Department of Management of Organizations, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

  • Chen-Bo Zhong

    (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208)

  • Dennis W. Organ

    (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405)

Abstract

In recent years, Western scholars have increasingly emphasized the importance of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB)—employees' behavior and actions that are not specifically designated in their formal job duties. Almost the entire body of empirical research on OCB is based on studies conducted in the United States, using U.S. employee populations as samples. Taking an inductive approach, we examined forms of OCB in the People's Republic of China (China). From a diverse sample of 158 employees and managers in 72 state-owned, collective, town and village, foreign-invested, and private enterprises in China, we collected 726 OCB incidents or items that were commonly observed in the workplace. We then subjected these to a content analysis to identify major forms of OCB. Results of our analysis revealed 10 dimensions of OCB, with at least one dimension not evident at all in the Western literature, and four that do not figure importantly in established OCB measures. The type of Organizations influenced the reporting of several forms of OCB. Results suggested that Chinese formulation of OCB differs from that in the West, and is embedded in its unique social and cultural context. We discuss these results in terms of their implications for future research in OCB.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiing-Lih Farh & Chen-Bo Zhong & Dennis W. Organ, 2004. "Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the People's Republic of China," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(2), pages 241-253, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:15:y:2004:i:2:p:241-253
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1030.0051
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ahlstrom, David & Bruton, Garry D. & Lui, Steven S. Y., 2000. "Navigating China's changing economy: Strategies for private firms," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 5-15.
    2. Jiing-Lih Farh & Anne S. Tsui & Katherine Xin & Bor-Shiuan Cheng, 1998. "The Influence of Relational Demography and Guanxi: The Chinese Case," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 9(4), pages 471-488, August.
    3. Jiing-Lih Farh & Bor-Shiuan Cheng, 2000. "A Cultural Analysis of Paternalistic Leadership in Chinese Organizations," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: J. T. Li & Anne S. Tsui & Elizabeth Weldon (ed.), Management and Organizations in the Chinese Context, chapter 4, pages 84-127, Palgrave Macmillan.
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