The Mediating Role of Organisational Commitment in the Relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the mediating role of organizational commitment (OC) in the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) among employees.

Design: Research is carried out in the setting of the Indian IT industry, and a sample of 550 employees chosen utilizing a random sampling technique is collected from the region of Delhi-NCR region using structured questionnaire with responses obtained on 5-point Likert scale for measures of OCB, EI, and OC. A partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) has been developed to examine linkage between variables.

Findings: Analysis confirmed that EI among the employees leads to higher OC towards the organisation, as they manage their emotions better, are more emotionally aware, and forge stronger relationships with colleagues. The study also found that OC among the employees leads to enhanced OCB among the employees. The heightened OC among employees encourages them to extend their job duties beyond the level of formal requirements. Finally, the study also found that OC partially acts as mediator in relationship between EI as well as OCB among employees.

Originality: This research extends literature on the mechanisms driving OCB, particularly emotional intelligence. Since the mediating role of OC in this dynamic was relatively unknown, the theoretical contribution of this study is valuable for academia. In practice, organisations can utilise the findings to drive higher levels of OC, which, in turn, enhances OCB.