Core self-evaluation and job engagement among civil servants: Investigating the moderating role of organisational citizenship behaviour in enhancing workplace effectiveness

Purpose To maintain and grow as individuals, workers must feel capable, competent and in control of their workplace in the modern labour market, which places a strong emphasis on individual self-management and proactive behaviour. The purpose of this study is to examine the direct effect of self-esteem (SE), generalised self-efficacy (GSE) on job engagement (JE) and moderating role of organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on the relationship between effect of SE, GSE and JE. Design/methodology/approach In this study, survey method was conducted with a sample size of 327 respondents across the total population of civil servants, which were analysed using PLS-SEM version 4.0.9.6. Findings The findings of this study established that, the relationship between SE, GSE and JE was supported. The findings also established that OCB significantly related with JE. Furthermore, the results of this study revealed that OCB moderates the relationship between SE, GSE and JE. Practical implications The findings offered interesting and significant avenues for future research for academics as well as useful managerial implications for stakeholders and decision makers in the Nigerian civil service. Therefore, to encourage civil servant engagement, corporate policies and strategies should be prioritised. In addition, managers can implement appropriate management measures to support employees’ learning and training activities and provide opportunities for their efficacy, such as setting their own goals and plans to create a state of positive engagement. Originality/value This study differentiates itself from previous studies through initiating a new proposed model by exploring the role of OCB as a mediator in the nexus between core self-evaluation and JE by presenting new factual proof from the Nigerian civil servants.