Do justice perceptions of performance appraisal practices affect organizational citizenship behavior through affective commitment? Evidence from the information technology industry

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the effect of justice perceptions of performance appraisal (JPPA) practices (i.e. distributive, procedural, informational and interpersonal justice) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and affective commitment (AC) and the effect of AC on OCB. Further, it investigates the mediating role of AC in the relationship between JPPA practices and OCB. Moreover, this study examines the moderating effect of job level on the relationship between JPPA practices and OCB.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using a self-reported structured questionnaire. A total of 650 questionnaires were distributed among the employees of 50 information technology (IT) companies in India, and 503 samples were obtained. The conceptual framework was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method, and the moderating effect was tested using process macro.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that the JPPA practices positively affect OCB and AC and AC affects OCB. Further, AC partially mediates this relationship between JPPA practices and OCB. Furthermore, the direct effect of JPPA practices on OCB happens to be strengthened when the job level decreases, thus confirming the moderating role of job level.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study augment the social exchange theory (SET) by suggesting that individuals perceiving justice or fairness in performance appraisal practices are likely to have a greater AC that ultimately engages employees in OCB.

Practical implications

This study will be helpful for human resource practitioners in IT companies who are responsible for the fairness of performance appraisal practices and expect their employees to be emotionally attached to the organization and engaged in OCB.

Originality/value

The study adds to the body of knowledge of how justice in performance appraisal practices links to OCB through AC and moderates by job level in an emerging economy in Asia.