Title: Reward Systems And Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Of Commercial Banks In South-South Region, Nigeria
Authors: Andy-Owhor, Blessing Chinyere, Godwin, I. Umoh , Edwinah, Amah
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Pages: 551-557
Publication Date: 2025/04/28
Abstract:
This study investigated the relationship between reward systems and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) among IT-related staff of commercial banks in the South-South region of Nigeria. Organisational citizenship behaviour was measured through three key dimensions: altruism, courtesy, and civic virtue, while reward systems served as the independent variable. Guided by the positivist philosophical paradigm, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A total of 2,526 IT staff across twelve commercial banks formed the population, from which a sample of 345 respondents was drawn using Taro Yamane's formula and selected through cluster sampling. Data was collected using a structured, close-ended questionnaire adapted from validated scales and analysed using Kendall's Tau rank correlation coefficient. Findings revealed a strong and significant positive relationship between reward systems and both altruism and courtesy, as well as a moderate-to-strong positive relationship with civic virtue. These results affirm that employees are more likely to demonstrate discretionary behaviours-such as voluntarily assisting colleagues, maintaining respectful interactions, and actively participating in organisational life-when they perceive fairness, recognition, and support in their organisation's reward systems. The findings validate the Psychological Contract Theory, which posits that employees reciprocate fair treatment with behaviours that enhance organisational effectiveness and social cohesion. Based on these findings, the study recommends that banks design inclusive reward systems that recognise team-oriented behaviours like altruism, establish regular recognition programmes that promote courtesy and emotional intelligence, and integrate civic-focused reward initiatives such as knowledge-sharing incentives and participatory engagement. These measures are expected to strengthen organisational harmony and employee commitment, particularly within high-demand sectors such as commercial banking.