Helping behavior in organizations: Examining individual-level and group-level effects
Abstract
The present research established three objectives in examining helping behavior in organizations. First, a need was identified to focus on a broader range of helping behaviors than previous organizational research has typically focused on. Second, a need was identified to examine a comprehensive model of helping behavior in organizations which included antecedents from across several of the helping literatures. Finally, a need to examine a cross-level model of helping behavior in organizations, including both individual-level and group-level antecedents, was identified. Two hypothesized models were developed, one including the antecedents of helping behavior directed toward coworkers and one including the antecedents of helping behavior directed toward the supervisor. A measure capturing a broad conceptualization of helping behavior in organizations was developed and the models were tested using management teams in a freight delivery firm. The cross-level models were analyzed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling. The results from the model of helping behavior directed toward coworkers supported the effects of the group, with both group size and proximity to coworkers being significantly related to helping behavior. No individual-level antecedents were found to have significant effects on helping behavior directed toward coworkers. The results from the model of helping behavior directed toward the supervisor supported the role of both the individual and the group. Specifically, the supervisor played an instrumental role both through the quality of the exchange relationship, an individual-level process, and through the leader's positive mood, a group-level or contextual effect. Implications for the study of helping behavior are discussed including the need to focus on a broader range of helping behaviors and the need to consider the helping process and its antecedents from a multiple-level perspective.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Schoorman, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Management|Occupational psychology
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