Adjustment between collectivist/individualist attributes of a person with the perceived culture of the work unit: An analysis of its influence on organizational citizenship behavior

This research analyze whether the fit between Individualistic/Collectivistic attributes of subjects and the perceived culture of work unit influence the Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). Information was collected of 248 individuals who work in a foreign subsidiary of a transnational United States company operating in Costa Rica. The hypothesis was evaluated with linear mixed regressions. The results reveal that Horizontal Individualism exerts more OCB as the perceived adhocratic culture degree in the work unit increase. On the other hand, Vertical Collectivism exert more OCB as more hierarchical culture is perceived. Research provides new scientific evidence, since no study has previously assessed whether collectivists and individualists attributes are more convenient in certain cultures to promote OCB. In terms of practical applicability, the findings suggest that organizations can promote OCB placing the individuals in work units with an organizational culture compatible to their attributes.