The behavior of members of a group can influence the behavior of other individuals in that group. For example, when some members of a work group are tardy, this behavior may cause other group members to start being tardy as well. Today’s best managers know that they can lessen these group influences by being supportive of individual group members. Examples of supportive behavior include treating employees fairly, providing supervisor support, giving favorable job rewards, and having favorable job conditions. Providing support to employees can even help prevent further bad group behaviors from rubbing off on other individuals in the work group.
Source: Eder, P., & Eisenberger, R. 2008, February. Perceived organizational support: Reducing the negative influence of coworker withdrawal behavior. Journal of Management, 34, 55-68.
