The relationship between individual work reflection and project citizenship behavior: the moderating role of leader–follower value congruence and the mediating role of servant leadership

Purpose Discovering reliable predictors of project citizenship behavior (PCB) may contribute to project success and fill this gap in the relevant literature. In this direction, a conceptual framework has been developed to examine the effect of individual work reflection (IWR), which has an important role in increasing team effectiveness, on employees’ project citizenship behavior by utilizing the “moral orientation” theories, under the moderating role of leader–follower value congruence and the mediating role of servant leadership (SL). Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data were collected from 367 employees in the Turkish semi-private defense industry through convenience sampling. The study used covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) in IBM AMOS 26 for data analysis. Findings Our results show that IWR has a positive impact on PCB. Besides, SL mediates the impact of IWR on PCB. Finally, leader–follower value congruence moderates the impact of IWR on PCB. Research limitations/implications The threat of endogeneity is a challenge inherent in most social science research. Based on this reality, we tried to explain PCBs using variables that have strong causal relationships. When comparing the relationship between IWR, SL and PCB, the potential impact of differences in moral judgment and beliefs in different cultures is not underestimated. Practical implications This relationship pattern has not been explored in the discipline of organizational behavior. The research findings suggest that promoting employee reflection on their work can create more servant leaders in organizational settings. In this context, potential benefits of leadership development and reflection within project teams are recommended for use by leadership educators, consultants and HRD practitioners. Social implications When concerns face major leadership crises, companies tend to follow the lead of servant leadership companies because they are well practiced in attracting and retaining a stable workforce, broadening market share through a more customer-based approach and enjoying success through profitability and growth. Besides, a successful organizational change program that integrates the individual work reflection and servant leadership philosophy and the steps required to achieve it is a potential roadmap for human resources. Originality/value Drawing upon the “moral orientation” theories, this study offers new insights into the interplay between individual work reflection and project citizenship behavior under the moderating role of leader–follower value congruence and the mediating role of servant leadership. This relationship pattern has not been explored. Therefore, this study will make a meaningful contribution to the literature by filling this gap in the discipline of organizational behavior.