Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Derek Rhode

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the importance of employee relations, ethics, and values; how psychological contracts form through the lenses of ethics, values, organizational justice, and perceptions; and how a psychological contract breach (PCB) may occur in certain situations. The psychological contract is imperative for positive employee relations. The foundation on how psychological contracts form and how psychological contracts may be breached and, in extreme circumstances, violated is based in theory by Argyris and in Rousseau’s theory to differentiate between psychological contract breaches and violations. An interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was used in this study to understand how technological employees form psychological contracts and how PCBs occur. Data were collected through interviews with 12 technological employees who work in North America and have experienced a PCB. Data on the lived experiences of technological employees were analyzed, and the findings were that technological workers experience a variety of PCBs. PCBs were triggered by a lack of recognition and respect and a lack of support. PCBs experienced by the participants reflected organizational failure to uphold obligations to a moral contract. The findings of this study have potential implications for positive social change as organizational and industry changes are needed to prevent behaviors that result in PCBs. Preventing PCBs can improve prosocial behavior within organizations.

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