Implications of the Affective Response to Psychological Contract Breach

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of psychological contract violation (PCV) as a mediating variable in the relationship between psychological contract breach (PCB) and workplace attitudes and behaviors. In addition, this study aims to expand the generalizability of psychological contract theories by examining service-oriented employees rather than a population of managers as in most research on PCB. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted on 196 service-oriented employees working in the United States. Factor analyses (principle components, varimax rotation) were conducted on all of the variables in the study to determine the factorial independence of the constructs. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the main effects and mediating hypotheses. Findings PCV was found to fully mediate the relationship between PCB and job satisfaction, organizational commitment, intent to quit, perceived organizational support, service delivery service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors, and participation service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors. PCV partially mediated the relationship between PCB and loyalty service-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors. PCV was not found to mediate the relationship between PCB and in-role job performance. Research limitations/implications The use of a cross-sectional design does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding causality and there is a possibility that the results may be influenced by common method variance. Practical implications Managers need to carefully consider the psychological contracts of their subordinates. The perception of PCB may negatively impact a whole host of workplace outcomes, particularly when PCB leads to PCV. Originality/value This paper empirically examines the PCB??PCV??Outcomes model using a sample of service-oriented employees.