Idiosyncratic deals and good citizens in China: the role of traditionality for recipients and their coworkers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and organizational citizen behavior (OCB). How traditional Chinese values moderate the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and OCB is examined from the perspectives of recipients and coworkers. Survey data were provided by 359 supervisor–subordinate dyads. Recipients of idiosyncratic deals are positively associated with their OCB-I, and the positive relationship between them is strongest for individuals with high perceived visibility and low traditionality. From the perspective of coworkers, the effect of coworker's beliefs in obtaining future idiosyncratic deals on OCB-I is strongest for individuals with high perceptions of others' idiosyncratic deals and low traditionality. This is the first study to provide evidence of the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and OCB from the perspective of recipients and coworkers. Additionally, the authors discuss the roles of perceived visibility and traditionality, thereby provide new insights into the outcomes of idiosyncratic deals based on cultural differences. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.