The Relation Between Trust in the Supervisor and Subordinate Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Abstract

Abstract Like all organizations, the military cannot anticipate all subordinate behaviors required to achieve goals. However, subordinate extra-role activity (i.e., behavior that surpasses the formally expressed position requirements) is essential for organizational productivity (Katz & Kahn, 1966). Interpersonal trust is a key contributor to effectiveness (Kouzes & Posner, 1987). Accordingly, this study tested the hypothesis that 10 supervisor behaviors facilitating interpersonal trust would be positively associated with subordinate extra-role behaviors. The subordinate extra-role or organizational citizenship behaviors examined in- cluded altruism, courtesy, conscientiousness, sportsmanship, and civic virtue. Survey data were collected from a noncombat military sample of 64 supervisor- subordinate dyads. Correlational and hierarchical regression analyses sup- ported the prediction. The findings are discussed in terms of possible implications for military leadership training.