Define citizenship behavior and discuss its categories and subcategories. Give examples.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student examples will vary but should demonstrate an understanding of the varieties of citizenship behavior. A sample answer follows.

The two types of citizenship behavior are interpersonal and organizational.

Interpersonal citizenship behavior includes all those behaviors that benefit coworkers and colleagues. These involve assisting, supporting, and developing other organizational members in a way that goes way beyond normal job expectations. Subcategories include the following:
Helping: assisting coworkers who have heavy workloads, aiding them with personal matters, and showing new employees the ropes when they first arrive on the job. 
Courtesy: keeping coworkers informed about matters that are relevant to them. 
Sportsmanship: maintaining a good attitude with coworkers, even when they have done something annoying or when the unit is going through tough times. 
Organizational citizenship behavior includes behaviors that benefit the larger organization by supporting and defending the company, working to improve its operations, and being especially loyal to it. Subcategories include the following:
Voice: speaking up and offering constructive suggestions for change. 
Civic virtue: participating in the company's operations at a deeper-than-normal level by attending voluntary meetings and functions, reading and keeping up with organizational announcements, and keeping abreast of business news that affects the company. 
Boosterism: representing the organization in a positive way when out in public, away from the office, and away from work.