The effect of peer-to-peer recognition systems on helping behavior: The influence of rewards and group affiliation

Peer recognition systems are an increasingly popular management control tool through which employees can recognize and thank one another. I examine the effectiveness of these systems in motivating employee helping behavior. My theory and experimental findings suggest that group affiliation is a key moderating factor in determining the motivating influence of peer recognition systems. Specifically, I predict and find that the presence of a peer recognition system has a greater positive effect on in-group versus out-group helping. Results suggest this occurs because peer recognition systems, by formalizing the opportunity for social approval, sensitize employees to preexisting social expectations. I also predict that the incremental benefit of adding rewards to a peer recognition system will be greater for out-group versus in-group helping because the rewards will strengthen the perceived value of recognition among out-group members but simply replace in-group members' social motivation. Statistical support for this prediction is weak, however. My findings provide insight into when peer recognition systems are effective in motivating helping behavior.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.