Dimensions of psychological contract

Abstract

Studied the dimensions of psychological contracts formed by 126 employees (aged 26–45 yrs) in a customer service organization in Portugal. Psychological contract is defined as a set of beliefs held by an employee about employee–organization reciprocal obligations in a work setting. Data on sociodemographic variables and operational definitions of contract beliefs were obtained by mail questionnaire. Factor analysis and other statistical tests were used. The results reveal 5 dimensions associated with psychological contracts: individual recognition, organizational dedication, extra-role behavior, formal contract, and monetary reward. Aspects of transactional and relational psychological contracts are also discussed. 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v13i1/2.562