Predictors of Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Selected First Generation Universities in Ethiopia

Abstract

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) plays an indispensable role in organizational success. First-generation universities (FGUs), the focus of this study, need such industrious workers in teaching, research, and community services. However, OCB is being eroded among many academic staff in higher education institutes (HEIs), for various reasons. Hence, it is important to find factors that promote OCB. This study aimed to identify predictors of OCB. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, the study selected 600 instructors from three FGUs: Jimma University, Hawassa University, and the University of Gonder. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and parametric tests (e.g. Percentage, Independent Samples T-Test, One-Way ANOVA, and A Stepwise Regression) were used to analyse the data. The result shows that being married, Oromo, coming from the Oromiyaa region, and working at Jimma University and in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) are associated with OCB significantly and positively. Further, collectively perceived internal university image (UI), job satisfaction (JS), intention to stay (IS), and communication source satisfaction (CS) explained 25.9 (adjusted R=25.4%) of variance on OCB, and the strongest predictor is perceived internal image (UI) (B=.222, P< .001); however, CS negatively influenced OCB. Accordingly, the study concludes that instructors’ OCB differs because of their level of perception of internal UI, JS, IS, CS, and demographic characteristics (DCs). Finally, the study presented the theoretical and practical implications of the findings along with limitations and recommendations for future research.