The serial mediation of job stress and work-family conflict in the relationship between compulsory citizenship behaviour and citizenship fatigue among healthcare workers

Purpose – This study aims to examine the sequential mediating roles of job stress (WS) and work-family conflict (WFC) in the relationship between compulsory citizenship behaviour (CCB) and citizenship fatigue (CF) among healthcare workers in Turkish public hospitals, grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional design was employed with 483 healthcare workers (67.7% female), including nurses, physicians, and administrative staff. Validated Turkish scales measured CCB, CF, WS and WFC. Data were analysed using correlation analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM) and Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 6, 5, 000 bootstrap samples). Findings – CCB was positively associated with CF (β = 0.43, p < 0.001). Job stress and WFC sequentially mediated this relationship (total indirect effect β = 0.18, SE = 0.03, LLCI = 0.13 and ULCI = 0.25 95%). Results align with COR theory, demonstrating that CCB depletes resources, escalating stress and WFC, ultimately leading to CF. Originality/value – This study advances the literature by empirically testing a novel serial mediation model in healthcare, highlighting how CCB's effects extend beyond the workplace into family life. It underscores the need for organisational interventions to mitigate compulsory demands and support work-life balance. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited