Going the extra mile: developing managers to encourage voluntary, helpful, organizational behavior

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents: the concept of voluntary, helpful organizational behavior (hereafter, V‐HOB), and an introduction to practical training and development approaches aimed at establishing a work environment in which V‐HOB can flourish.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors synthesize relevant research to provide a practical view useful for training and development of managers and supervisors.

Findings

Training and development of existing staff may be a more effective approach than attempting to recruit individuals predisposed toward V‐HOB. Management training and development in the area of V‐HOB can be extremely effective in establishing an environment conducive to organizational success.

Practical implications

The authors provide guidance to managers useful for management training toward nurturing an environment in which V‐HOB is more likely to be manifested.

Originality/value

This paper defines and describes behaviors that support V‐HOB. A gap is bridged between academic study of such behaviors and pragmatic techniques for development of today's managers.

Citation

Bandura, R.P. and Lyons, P.R. (2012), "Going the extra mile: developing managers to encourage voluntary, helpful, organizational behavior", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 18-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281211258653