Psychological Capital, Team Resources and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the impact of team resources – learning values and team leader optimism – as moderating variables affecting the relationship between team psychological capital (PsyCap) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), measured as a team outcome. Eighty-two management teams involving 395 participants from educational organizations responded to a quantitative questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analyses confirmed interactive effects of both moderating variables, which serve as positive resources for the team by enhancing the impact of team PsyCap on the willingness of the team to engage in OCB. Team PsyCap functioned as a positive team resource that brings about an environment that induces exhibition of high levels of OCB. This relationship is strengthened when both team learning and team leader’s optimism are high. The findings provide support for the relevance of contingency theories by emphasizing the necessity of certain situational features existing in order to have an impact on organization outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• Education
• engagement
• values

Author Notes

Ronit Bogler is an associate professor and Head of the Program in Educational Administration, Policy & Leadership at the Open University of Israel. Her research interests include educational leadership, organizational citizenship behavior, empowerment, organizational and professional commitment, and job satisfaction.

Anit Somech is an organizational psychologist, and a full professor at the University of Haifa, Israel, Department of Educational Leadership & Policy. Her research interests include organizational citizenship behavior, participative leadership, and teamwork from a multilevel and cross-culture perspective.