Which of the following statements is true about organizational citizenship behaviors?

Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) refer to the voluntary actions and behaviors displayed by employees that go beyond their defined job responsibilities. These behaviors are crucial for fostering a positive organizational environment and enhancing overall organizational effectiveness. The correct statement highlights how OCB contributes positively to the firm, even though these actions often go unrecognized.

These behaviors can include actions such as helping colleagues, being flexible with workloads, participating in voluntary meetings, and promoting a positive workplace culture. While they are not mandatory or formally recognized in an organization's policies, individuals exhibiting OCB can significantly affect team dynamics, employee morale, and overall performance. This contribution is vital for achieving long-term success, as engaged staff members lead to better collaboration and increased productivity.

By contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the nature of organizational citizenship behaviors. They are not policies that can be enforced (making the first statement untrue), nor are they unimportant for firm success (which conflicts with the significant role they play). Finally, OCB is not limited to leaders; all employees, regardless of rank, can exhibit citizenship behaviors that enhance the work environment and organizational effectiveness. This makes the correct choice a clear representation of the impact of OCB within organizations.