Pro-environmental behavior at work: Construct validity and determinants

Pro-environmental behaviors in the workplace are less investigated than pro-environmental behaviors outside the work setting are. This study focuses on organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) as a new construct to capture pro-environmental behaviors in the work setting. Three independent studies were conducted: Study 1 provides evidence for the validity of the three-factor model of OCBE, namely, eco-helping, eco-civic engagement, and eco-initiatives. Study 2 indicates that there is a difference between OCBE, consisting of eco-helping, eco-civic engagement and eco-initiatives, and OCB, consisting of helping, civic virtue, and sportsmanship. Finally, using social exchange theory, Study 3 shows that when employees feel supported by their organization, they become more committed and satisfied and are willing to engage in OCBEs. Whereas a direct effect is reported for employee commitment to the organization, findings indicate that perceived organizational support and job satisfaction have an indirect effect on OCBE.