Comparing Private and Public Sector Employees' Psychological Contracts

<title>Abstract</title> To study whether public sector employees are a different type of employee with different expectations than the private sector employees, we look at differences in the generic dimensions of their psychological contract. Data from a survey of 4956 Belgian employees show that, compared to private sector employees, public sector employees attach less importance to career development opportunities and financial rewards promises, and perceive these promises as less fulfilled. They also perceive social atmosphere and work--life balance as less fulfilled. Furthermore, we observed significant gender differences in the importance and fulfilment of the psychological contract.