Putting Psychology Back into Psychological Contracts

Abstract

The concept of psychological contracts has become detached from its historical grounding in clinical psychology. The current emphasis on economic transactions and justice elements in transgressions has led to the neglect of psychological and developmental needs of employees and organizations in managing dependence, emotional distance, mutual coping with change, and forming adult occupational identities. Managers and academics need to take psychological needs into account in understanding psychological contracts and resistance to changing work roles and relationships.