Organizational Citizenship Behavior Regarding Security: Leadership Approach Perspective

This study takes a relational perspective to introduce the concept of organizational citizenship behavior regarding security (OCB-S) and to examine its predictors. Utilizing social exchange and role theories, we develop a model explicating the indirect effects of the way information systems (IS) departments lead IS initiatives and manages its relationships with end-users on end-users’ OCB-S. Based on survey data from 223 employees of Chinese firms, we demonstrate that IS departments’ management approaches play an important role in influencing business users–IS department exchange (BIX) and user perceptions regarding whether IS security is their responsibility (extra-role perceptions regarding security). These factors, in turn, influence the extent to which end-users engage in OCB-S. Theoretically, this study advances our understanding of end-user security-related behaviors and their antecedents. Practically, this study highlights the importance of business users–IS department relationships and role perceptions for improving organizational security management.