Denise Rousseau Psychological Contract Definition

Denise Rousseau is a well-known organizational behavior and psychology expert who has extensively studied the concept of psychological contracts in the workplace. In this article, we will delve into Denise Rousseau`s psychological contract definition and how it affects the workplace dynamics.

Psychological Contract – Definition

Denise Rousseau describes a psychological contract as the set of expectations and beliefs that an employee holds regarding their relationship with their employer. This contract is not necessarily written down or explicitly stated, but rather it is an unwritten agreement between the employee and the employer. It is the employee`s perception of what they can expect from their employer and what is expected of them in return.

The psychological contract includes both the tangible and intangible aspects of the employer-employee relationship. This means that it includes traditional benefits such as salary, benefits, and job security, as well as intangible benefits such as professional development opportunities, career growth, and work-life balance.

When an employee`s expectations align with what the employer provides, their trust in the company and commitment to their role increases. However, when the expectations of the employee and employer do not match, the employee may perceive that the employer has breached the psychological contract, leading to a loss of trust and reduced commitment from the employee.

Impact of a Breached Psychological Contract

When an employer breaches the psychological contract, employees may feel deceived, disappointed, and resentful towards the company, leading to a decrease in their job satisfaction and motivation. Employees may also become disengaged and may start looking for other job opportunities.

On the other hand, when employees deliver less than what is expected of them, it may lead to a breach of the psychological contract from an employer`s perspective. The employer may perceive the employee as untrustworthy and may limit their opportunities for growth and development.

Conclusion

Denise Rousseau`s psychological contract definition highlights the importance of aligning the expectations of the employer and employee. When these expectations are not met, it can lead to a breach of trust and negatively impact the employee`s job satisfaction, commitment, and motivation. Employers should, therefore, focus on ensuring that they are meeting the expectations of their employees and providing them with career growth and development opportunities to foster a strong and productive relationship.