How Citizenship Behaviors Drive Nonprofit Impact

Every ounce of effort counts in the resource-strapped nonprofit world, where many agencies are grossly understaffed. While completing core job duties is essential, it’s often the “extra” contributions—those voluntary actions and attitudes—that truly elevate an organization’s impact. And this goes for volunteers, along with paid staff.

These voluntary efforts, known as citizenship behaviors, play a pivotal role in enhancing both team dynamics and organizational success. For nonprofit leaders, understanding and encouraging citizenship behaviors can unlock employee potential and drive meaningful, lasting change in communities.

What Are Citizenship Behaviors?

Citizenship behaviors refer to voluntary, positive actions that employees undertake to support their colleagues and contribute to the organization, even when these actions aren’t explicitly part of their job description. Unlike task performance, which centers on completing assigned duties, citizenship behaviors go beyond the basics. They help foster a collaborative, positive workplace, often leading to increased productivity and a more engaged workforce.

Citizenship behaviors fall into several categories, each of which can have a transformative effect in a nonprofit setting:

1. Helping Behaviors – Assisting coworkers with tasks or lending a hand during busy periods.
2. Courtesy – Maintaining respectful interactions to avoid workplace conflicts.
3. Sportsmanship – Maintaining a positive attitude, even when things go wrong.
4. Conscientiousness – Showing dedication by going beyond the minimum requirements.
5. Civic Virtue – Involvement in organizational matters and staying informed about decisions that affect the team.

Why Citizenship Behaviors Matter in Nonprofits

Citizenship behavior is important within any organization, but for nonprofits, where resources and manpower are often stretched thin, these behaviors can make a noticeable difference. Employees who demonstrate these behaviors help create a supportive, resilient workplace. This is crucial for maintaining momentum in mission-driven work, where teams often face challenging goals with limited resources. Here are just a few ways that nonprofit citizenship behaviors impact the organization.

1. Enhanced Team Dynamics and Morale
Citizenship behaviors like helping coworkers with tasks, covering for each other during vacations, or simply offering encouragement create a positive work environment. For example, if a volunteer coordinator steps in to help a development officer with an upcoming fundraising event, it not only eases the workload but also strengthens camaraderie and morale. Employees who feel supported by their peers are more likely to stay engaged and motivated in their roles, even during challenging times.

2. Boosted Organizational Productivity
Citizenship behaviors contribute to smoother operations by promoting teamwork and reducing friction. Employees who practice conscientiousness by arriving on time, meeting deadlines, and completing tasks thoroughly help ensure the nonprofit’s projects stay on track. For example, a program manager who consistently exceeds their responsibilities by preparing detailed reports or suggesting efficiency improvements benefits the whole team. When every team member contributes beyond their role, productivity increases, helping the nonprofit reach its goals more effectively.

3. Increased Organizational Resilience
In the face of challenges, such as funding shortages or shifts in community needs, nonprofits need a resilient workforce. Sportsmanship (maintaining a positive attitude in adverse conditions) helps teams stay motivated even when facing setbacks. For instance, employees who encourage each other and suggest alternative solutions instead of focusing on the negatives during a funding cut help keep the organization moving forward. This resilience ensures that nonprofits can adapt to changes and serve their communities effectively.

Examples of Citizenship Behaviors in Nonprofits

It's clear that employees and volunteers who consistently exhibit citizenship behaviors can positively impact their organizations, so what are some examples of how citizenship behaviors can be specifically exhibited in nonprofits?

1. Assisting During High-Demand Periods
Consider a nonprofit that runs an annual fundraiser, such as a 5K charity walk. During the weeks leading up to the event, the marketing and fundraising teams may experience high workloads. If a program assistant from another department offers to help with setup or logistics, this helping behavior lightens the load and ensures the event’s success. This volunteerism within the organization is a perfect example of citizenship behavior that benefits the event and the entire organization.

2. Maintaining Workplace Positivity
Sportsmanship is critical in nonprofits, especially when resources are limited, and pressure is high. Imagine a scenario where a grant application was denied after weeks of effort. An employee who keeps morale high, remains optimistic, and encourages colleagues to look for alternative funding opportunities demonstrates sportsmanship. This positive attitude supports the team’s mental well-being and reinforces a culture of persistence and resilience.

3. Staying Informed and Engaged
Civic virtue is another impactful citizenship behavior. It involves staying informed and actively interested in the organization’s mission and operations. For example, a staff member who regularly attends board meetings, even when not required, or stays updated on organizational policies demonstrates this behavior. By understanding the broader context of their work, these employees make more informed decisions and often bring valuable insights to their roles.

4. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
In nonprofits, where turnover can be high, helping behaviors such as mentoring new hires or sharing knowledge are incredibly valuable. For instance, an experienced outreach coordinator who takes time to show a new team member the ropes, even though it’s not part of their job description, strengthens the team’s knowledge base and ensures continuity. This mentorship supports the newcomer’s growth and fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture.

5. Going the Extra Mile in Client Services
For nonprofits directly serving clients or beneficiaries, conscientiousness can make a profound impact. A caseworker who spends extra time finding resources for a client in need demonstrates a commitment to the mission even after their shift ends. This dedication benefits the client and reinforces the organization’s commitment to quality service, which can enhance its reputation and strengthen its impact.

Encouraging Citizenship Behaviors in Nonprofit Organizations

While citizenship behaviors are voluntary by nature, nonprofit leaders can impact this factor by fostering an environment that encourages and nurtures these actions. Here are several strategies for fostering a culture of citizenship:

1. Recognize and Reward Positive Contributions
Recognizing employees for going above and beyond with their core duties can encourage citizenship behaviors. Regularly acknowledging these efforts, whether through informal praise, public recognition, or small rewards, reinforces the value of these actions. For example, a nonprofit could introduce a “Citizen of the Month” award to highlight employees who demonstrate outstanding citizenship behaviors.

2. Foster Open Communication and Transparency
When employees feel connected to the organization’s mission and understand their role in achieving it, they’re more likely to engage in citizenship behaviors. Open communication about organizational goals, challenges, and decisions encourages employees to stay informed and proactive. Leaders who involve employees in decision-making processes and promote feedback help create a sense of ownership and responsibility within the team.

3. Promote a Collaborative Work Environment
Creating opportunities for cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing encourages employees to support each other. For instance, hosting monthly team lunches or interdepartmental project days can foster relationships and increase the likelihood that employees will help each other when needed. A supportive workplace culture promotes helping behaviors, as employees see the success of one department as contributing to the entire organization's success.

4. Provide Opportunities for Professional Development
Citizenship behaviors often flourish when employees feel empowered and valued. Professional development opportunities, such as workshops, mentorship programs, or training sessions, show employees that the organization is invested in their growth. This investment often motivates employees to reciprocate by giving back to the organization through positive behaviors.

5. Lead by Example
Leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for citizenship behaviors. Leaders who demonstrate sportsmanship, courtesy, and a strong work ethic inspire their teams to do the same. For example, a director who volunteers to help with an event or stays late to assist a team member in need sets a powerful example of citizenship that employees are likely to follow.

Citizenship Behaviors as a Catalyst for Nonprofit Success

Citizenship behaviors aren’t just a “nice to have” in the nonprofit world but a catalyst for organizational success. These voluntary actions by employees contribute to a positive, resilient work culture, enhancing productivity and strengthening the organization’s ability to achieve its mission. For nonprofits, where every resource counts, fostering citizenship behaviors can be the key to unlocking employee potential and amplifying impact.

By recognizing and encouraging these behaviors, nonprofit leaders can cultivate a team that is not only committed to fulfilling their job roles but also deeply invested in the organization’s success. When employees go above and beyond, they help create an environment where the mission thrives—making citizenship behaviors valuable in the nonprofit sector.

Learn more about citizenship behaviors and management psychology in the FREE Leadership Bootcamp for Nonprofits course.