Good soldier syndrome. Do organizational cynicism and work alienation matter?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of organizational cynicism (OCyn) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) among bank employees with a focus on the role of work alienation (WA) as a potential mediator.Design/methodology/approachUsing standardized questionnaire, data were collected from 381 employees working in the banking sector of Punjab, a northern state of India. Statistical techniques such as hierarchical multiple regression and confirmatory factor analysis along with PROCESS macro were used for data analysis.FindingsResults reveal that OCyn has a significant negative effect on OCB. Further, WA is found to be significantly partially mediating the relationship between the aforementioned constructs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study pertains to a single sector i.e., banking sector restricting the generalizability to other industrial and vocational settings. Further, it may be difficult to draw any causal inferences as the research design adopted for this study is cross-sectional in nature.Practical implicationsIn order to promote OCBs among bank employees, the formation of negative workplace attitudes such as OCyn and WA needs to be regulated. This can be achieved through improving communications network, encouraging participative decision-making activities, conducting psychological counseling and stress management training sessions.Originality/valueThis study is one of the scarce empirical research works that have substantiated the direct impact along with the indirect impact of OCyn (through work alienation) on OCB among bank employees.

Eco-green mirage: investigating turnover intention as organizational turbulence through perceived greenwashing, cynicism and alienation

“…This perceived greenwashing becomes the initial trigger for employee cynicism, implying a loss of control over interactions and decision-making (Brown et al, 2020). Work alienation, characterized by a lack of control over one's actions and the workplace (Danvila-del-Valle et al, 2019), shares common negative emotions with employee cynicism (Singh and Randhawa, 2022). Cynical and alienated employees are more likely to feel detached from their jobs, with literature suggesting they are prone to negative behaviors such as turnover intention (Cicek et al, 2021).…”

“…Investigating the relationship between employee cynicism and work alienation, as well as employees’ perceptions of greenwashing could provide valuable insights for firms, particularly those in the service industry (Singh and Randhawa, 2022). Exploring the effects of greenwashing on service industry employees is critical because it has a direct influence on employee well-being, service quality, engagement, reputation, turnover rates, sustainability efforts and employee advocacy – all of which contribute to the success and sustainability of service-oriented businesses (Miao et al , 2023).…”

Work-life balance practices and organizational cynicism: The mediating role of person-job fit

“…Organizational cynicism has also adversely affected employees’ productivity and performance ( Rehan, 2017 ), and organizational citizenship behavior ( Singh and Randhawa, 2022 ). Despite some clear-cut evidence of the adverse impact of OC on individual and organizational outcomes, research on factors that may cause employees’ (i.e., frontline healthcare nurses) negative attitudes toward organizations (i.e., OC) is limited.…”