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Psychological Contracts and Counterproductive Work Behaviors: Employee Responses to Transactional and Relational Breach

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Abstract

Purpose

This study extends the research on counterproductive work behavior (CWB) by examining the psychological contract breaches that trigger employee CWB. Specifically, we explored the relationship between transactional and relational contract breach and five forms of CWB (abuse, production deviance, sabotage, theft, and withdrawal). Further, we considered the role of situational and individual factors that mitigate CWB engagement and examined the moderating effects of organizational policies meant to deter CWB and personality (conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability).

Design/Methodology/Approach

A total of 357 employees responded to surveys of transactional and relational psychological contract breach, CWB, knowledge of organizational policies, and personality. Relationships were examined via hierarchical linear regression.

Findings

Findings generally supported the notion that transactional and relational breach has differential effects on CWB. However, there was limited support for the moderating effects of policies and individual differences on these relationships.

Implications

Given the consequences of CWB for organizations and individuals, it is important for organizations to understand how transactional and relational contract breach relates to different forms of CWB. In addition, it is important to recognize the limited role that organizational policies and personality have in diminishing CWB.

Originality/Value

Our contribution to this area of study is the parsing of the effects of distinct elements of the psychological contract to specific forms of CWB, so that organizations can achieve a better understanding of which aspects of the psychological contract affect CWB and implement targeted interventions.

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Notes

  1. Items are available from the authors upon request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, George Washington University, 2201 G St., NW Funger Hall 309, Washington, DC, 20052, USA

    Jaclyn M. Jensen

  2. Management and Human Resource Management Department, College of Business Administration, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90840, USA

    Richard A. Opland

  3. Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 333 Psychology Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Ann Marie Ryan

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  1. Jaclyn M. Jensen
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Correspondence to Jaclyn M. Jensen.

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Jensen, J.M., Opland, R.A. & Ryan, A.M. Psychological Contracts and Counterproductive Work Behaviors: Employee Responses to Transactional and Relational Breach. J Bus Psychol 25, 555–568 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-009-9148-7

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