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. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.