Title
Psychological Contracts in a Nontraditional Industry: Exploring the Implications for Psychological Contract Development
Department/School
Management
Date of this version
2014
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601114525851
Abstract
This research examined the employment contracts and experiences of information technology contractors working on H-1B visas for bodyshopping firms in the United States. Examination of these nontraditional workers allows for the emergence of insights that promote theory development on psychological contracts (PCs). In a qualitative study of 54 Indian contractors, we identified experiences that both contradict and further develop our currently limited understanding of the PC development process. Specifically, we found evidence of underdeveloped contracts, different PC content, missing PC elements, a high frequency of breach, PCs becoming more transactional over time, and the significant role of context in the PC development process. We discuss the implications of our findings related to these nontraditional workers for research on PCs.
Volume
39
Issue
3
Published in
Group and Organization Management
Citation/Other Information
O’Leary-Kelly, A. M., Henderson, K. E., Anand, V., & Ashforth, B. E. (2014). Psychological Contracts in a Nontraditional Industry: Exploring the Implications for Psychological Contract Development. Group & Organization Management, 39(3), 326–360. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601114525851