What are organizational citizenship behaviors?

Organizational citizenship behaviors refer to the voluntary actions and behaviors that employees engage in, which contribute positively to the overall functioning and success of an organization, even though these actions are not formally recognized or mandated as part of their job roles. These behaviors can include activities such as helping colleagues, taking the initiative to solve problems, and promoting a positive work environment.

The notion of organizational citizenship behaviors emphasizes the idea that individual actions, while not explicitly outlined in job descriptions, significantly enhance teamwork, collaboration, and the overall workplace culture, ultimately leading to better organizational performance. These behaviors reflect an employee's commitment to the organization and its success and go beyond their assigned tasks and responsibilities.