Theoretical and empirical evidence of behavioral and production line factors that influence helping behavior

Abstract

Abstract A poorly motivated workforce can have a negative impact on the productivity of production lines and firm performance. One factor that can counter the effects of poorly performing workers is if stronger colleagues step in and assist them. Leveraging theory from the organizational citizenship behavior literature, this study examines how behavioral and production line factors influence individuals to help team members in a production line experiment. Study findings are that perceptions of social loafing and material‐handling ambiguity influence team helping behavior. Empirical evidence also suggests that perceptions of social loafing mediate the relationship of team altruism on helping behavior. Post hoc analyses are conducted to further explore how the behavioral and production factors influence helping behavior. Strategies for promoting volitional helping behavior are discussed.