Reciprocity or negotiation in the psychological contract: a power perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haris Ali
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Call Center ◽  
Employment Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Power Asymmetry ◽  
High Tendency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe psychological contract literature is generally based on the assumption of reciprocity between employee and employer. The emphasis on reciprocity, however, largely downplays the implications of power dynamics in the employment relationship. In order to bridge this gap, the current research investigates psychological contract from the lens of power particularly focusing on reciprocity.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 43 semi-structured interviews are carried out with 37 employees and six managers of three call center companies in Pakistan. The technique of template analysis is used for data analysis.FindingsIn contrast to the assumption of reciprocity, the research findings highlight employees' perceived inability to reciprocate the employer's inducements on parity basis, because of their view of power asymmetry in the employment relationship. The results further suggest the high tendency among employees to attribute employer reciprocity largely to their managers. The findings also point toward divergence in the reciprocity perceptions of employees and managers in relation with the employers.Research limitations/implicationsThe emphasis on call centers bounds the generality of results. Future research is needed to further explore the impact of power asymmetry on reciprocity in organizations of other industries. With significant implications for the employment relations, negotiated contracts consider the exchange between employee and employer as an obligation rather than a voluntary act of kindness, as emphasized in reciprocity.Originality/valueThis research contributes to knowledge by emphasizing the significance of negotiation rather than reciprocation in the psychological contract. The negotiation approach efficiently recognizes the implications of power asymmetry that remain generally under-researched in the psychological contract literature.

Mutuality or mutual dependence in the psychological contract: a power perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haris Ali
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Call Center ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Employment Relationship ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mutual Dependence ◽  
Working Environments ◽  
Power Asymmetries ◽  
Template Analysis

Purpose There have been increasing calls to explore the psychological contract from the lens of power. By addressing this gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the assumption of mutuality in relation to power dynamics in the employment relationship. Design/methodology/approach A total of 43 in-depth interviews are conducted with 6 managerial and 37 non-managerial respondents in three major call center organizations in Pakistan. Template analysis is used to analyze the data. Findings By undermining the assumption of implicit mutuality, the analysis reveals indeterminacy, an issue that has been frequently underplayed in the psychological contract research. The results further suggest that – in reality – employability, flexibility and employee training do not promote mutuality to the extent that is theoretically assumed because of the employers’ manipulation of these issues in their own favor. Research limitations/implications The focus on call centers limits the generality of findings with further qualitative research needed in other industries to explore how power asymmetries impact upon mutuality in different working environments. Practical implications The research implications suggest the significance of timely and explicit communication in order to curtail indeterminacy in the employment relationship. This will not only reduce the development of breach perceptions among employees but will also reinforce their psychological contracts with the organization. Originality/value This research contributes by highlighting the significance of mutual dependence rather than mutuality in the psychological contract. The mutual dependence approach efficiently acknowledges the implications of power asymmetries which remain largely under-researched in the psychological contract theory.

Power asymmetry, egalitarianism and team learning – Part 1: conceptualizing the moderating role of environmental hardship

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 389-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Sinha ◽  
Christina Stothard
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Team Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Power Asymmetry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Military Teams ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose This paper aims to understand the effects of team power asymmetry (hierarchy) on team learning. Design/methodology/approach Literature suggests that power asymmetry can hurt team learning due to unequal interactions. The authors integrate the situated focus theory of power and the theory of adversarial growth to propose that environmental hardship can moderate this relationship. Such that, under environmental hardship there is a shift in power relations within hierarchical teams, such that power asymmetry positively relates to team learning via increased team egalitarianism (interactional equality). Findings The study is presented in two parts. Part 1 reviews the literature and builds the theoretical arguments for the conceptual model, while Part 2 empirically examines the model on a sample of military teams. In Part 1, the authors propose a theoretically derived model and directions for future research in team power, dynamics and learning. Research limitations/implications It provides directions to empirically validate a contingency-based model to resolve the dilemma of creating equality and high levels of team learning in hierarchical teams. Originality/value The conceptual model and hypotheses contribute to the team learning literature by theoretically clarifying the conditions under which power asymmetry is likely to improve team learning.

Constructing a career identity in the aged care sector: overcoming the “taint” of dirty work

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Clarke ◽  
Katherine Ravenswood
Keyword(s):  
Aged Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dirty Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Career Identity ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore career identity within the aged care sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a descriptive interpretive methodology using 32 in-depth, semi-structured interviews.FindingsThis paper shows that social processes and occupational and professional status issues shape career identity in an aged care context. Individuals seek positive career identities through emphasising job fit in relation to their personal experience and values in order to counteract the impact of “taint”.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was based in one organisation. Future research could explore its findings in the context of multiple organisations, and include the concept of career identity in other low status, “tainted” occupations, such as childcare, in order to develop a more complete understanding of identity construction processes.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that aged care providers could employ a values-driven approach to recruitment, complementary to pay and career development, to enhance recruitment and retention of aged care employees. Universities and professional bodies could consider more active use of aged care student placements to highlight the opportunities that aged care offer to new graduates in allied health professions.Originality/valueThis paper extends our understanding of career identity in relation to “taint” and “dirty work” in the context of two occupational groups in the understudied sector of aged care.

Working in a therapeutic community: exploring the impact on staff

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisha Vyas ◽  
Cathy Spain ◽  
David Rawlinson
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Therapeutic Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Communities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Emotional Instability ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact working in a therapeutic community (TC) has on staff practice and personal development. Design/methodology/approach Eight female members of staff who work in the TC participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used. Findings The findings of this paper show three superordinate themes: confidence gained within TC; the staff impact of the intensity of TC; and staff value for specific TC principles. Research limitations/implications Limitations include researcher bias as both authors work in the TC and/or in the service. Reasonable adjustments were made in order to account for this. Practical implications Implications for future research include understanding and supporting the needs of staff and further exploration of the impact of staff working within TCs for people diagnosable with emotionally unstable personality disorders. Originality/value The research was carried out at one of the longest running TCs for people with emotional instability in the country. It offers a unique opportunity to garner the views of staff members with up to 27 years of experience. Findings may be of value to practitioners, administrators, policy makers and researchers interested in therapeutic communities.

How does the territory impact on entrepreneurial family embeddedness?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Martínez-Sanchis ◽  
Cristina Aragón-Amonarriz ◽  
Cristina Iturrioz-Landart
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Externalities ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
History Of ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to explore how territory impacts on entrepreneurial families’ (EFs) embeddedness to unveil the role that territories play on the continuity and development of EFs. Design/methodology/approach To study complex contexts where subjective realities are analyzed, a constructivist qualitative approach is recommended. Given that, this paper develops a qualitative methodology in which 25 semi-structured interviews were carried out and analyzed based upon the use of ATLAS.ti, following an open-coding approach. Findings This paper found out that the territory can condition EFs’ embeddedness in different ways. First, through the cultural embeddedness, the shared territorial understanding of values and norms inherited by the history of the territory. Second, by the political embeddedness, i.e. the power exercised by territorial economic actors and non-market institutions. Third, through the structural embeddedness generated by the territorial social networks and the generation of close relationships and finally, through the so-called cognitive embeddedness, the territorial actors’ representations, interpretations and meanings. These four modes of territorial embeddedness are unfolded in a set of 16 territorial factors that impact on EFs’ embeddedness. Most of the identified factors, 14 out of the 16, are acting mainly over one of the embeddedness modes studied (cultural, political, structural and cognitive), while two of them, because they are operating simultaneously on various modes of embeddedness, have been considered transversal factors. Originality/value EFs have, to a great extent, been recognized as major generators of positive externalities in the territories in which they are located, and to date, the literature has focused on the impact that firms and family firms have on regional development. However, how the territory conditions the embeddedness of these families, especially how it impacts on the EFs’ territorial embeddedness, remains unexplored. This paper proposes a framework of 16 factors that help to understand the embeddedness dynamics between EFs and territories, serving as a starting point for future research avenues. Additionally, regional policy makers may use it as a guidance to build policy mix that considers these territorial factors to boost EFs’ embeddedness.

Adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer: an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonor Rodriguez ◽  
Ann Marie Groarke ◽  
Pat Dolan ◽  
Padraig MacNeela
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ecological Perspective ◽  
Adolescent Adjustment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose As an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth understanding of adolescent experiences of maternal cancer to identify the individual and contextual factors that shape adolescent experiences and evaluates the potential applicability of the Family Ecology Model to the illness context. Design/methodology/approach This analysis is focussed on three female adolescents who completed semi-structured interviews, which were subjected to IPA. Maternal illness is a challenge for adolescents, which can be improved or undermined by their contexts. The analysis yielded three sub-themes: family structure, social supports, experiencing maternal cancer at a time of transition and the lasting impact of cancer. Findings This study found that adolescent experiences of maternal cancer depend on their contexts from an ecological perspective the type and quality of adolescent interactions determine coping and adjustment. Maternal cancer can be difficult as adolescents are already facing specific developmental challenges. Future research can benefit from adopting an ecological perspective to further understand adolescent experiences to support adolescent that may be more vulnerable and benefit from additional supports. This is not a generalisable piece of research but it provides a very deep and detailed understanding of the impact of maternal cancer on adolescents’ developmental course and determines how the complexity of their contexts can serve as a risk or a protective factor at this challenging time. Originality/value This paper contributes to the body of research by providing a comprehensive understanding of adolescents facing maternal cancer. The Ecological Model supports the findings of this research and proves to be a good model to understand the complex interplay between adolescents and their environments when facing a difficult challenge like maternal cancer is.

The impact of COVID-19 on police training academies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. White ◽  
Joseph Schafer ◽  
Michael Kyle
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
State Level ◽  
Police Training ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Police Recruits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the impacts coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had on US police academies’ production of police recruits.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a national online survey of police academy directors in the USA, followed by purposive, semi-structured interviews of select academy directors. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data is combined in a mixed methods approach.FindingsThe findings suggest that academies experienced a range of impacts related to COVID-19. These impacts lead to more questions concerning how academies and state-level governing boards responded not only to pandemic-related challenges, but also to their willingness to accept more online and alternative curriculum delivery strategies.Originality/valuePolice academies are a required step in the production of new police recruits in the USA, but researchers have paid little attention to how academies operate. While exploratory, this study provides some insights into how this aspect of policing weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers suggestions for future research, as well as policy implications.

scholarly journals Regional crises and corruption: the eclipse of the quality of working life in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 571-591
Author(s):  
Toyin Ajibade Adisa ◽  
Gbolahan Gbadamosi
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
The South ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Quality Of Working Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North East ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In recent years, there has been a rapid decline in the quality of working life (QWL) of Nigerian workers at all levels. This phenomenon is cryptic and knowledge thereof is inadequate due to a dearth of compelling research on QWL in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to a deeper understanding of QWL among Nigerian workers by investigating the impact of corruption and regional crises on QWL in this non-western context. The study also examines what QWL means to Nigerian employees. Design/methodology/approach The study employs qualitative data gleaned from semi-structured interviews. Findings The research reveals that corruption has a strongly negative effect on employees’ QWL, which in turn affects their motivation, attitude towards their job and the psychological contract between them and their employers. Furthermore, the findings revealed that regional crises (such as the heinous activities of the Boko Haram sect in the north–east, the continuing agitation of the secessionists (e.g. the Indigenous People of Biafra), in the south–east, and the tumultuous activities of the Niger Delta Avengers in the south–south) have combined to reduce employees’ QWL. Research limitations/implications The extent to which the findings of this research can be generalised is constrained by the selected sample of the research (public sector employees). Originality/value These results and the practical implications thereof will be useful to the Nigerian Government, policymakers and organisations for creating and enhancing good QWL in Nigeria.

scholarly journals The impact of a humanitarian disaster on the working approach of accountants: a study of contingent effects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonida Carungu ◽  
Roberto Di Pietra ◽  
Matteo Molinari
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Human Condition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how a humanitarian disaster as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shapes the working approach of accountants. This research is motivated by the call for more in-depth analyses of how COVID-19 affects the work, role and human condition of accountants. The study aims to discover the contingent effects, based on the contingency theory, on accountants' work due to a disaster like COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative study with an action research approach. The research relies on semi-structured interviews and the active participation of a co-author in a professional organisation under investigation. Data collected are analysed using thematic analysis through an inductive interpretative approach.FindingsThe contingent shock embodies both a reactive and adaptive approach in the accountants' professional work. From a theoretical perspective, this study identifies nine contingent phases related to shock. The accountants' experience helps to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic contingently shapes the working approach of accountants with both short- and long-term organisational implications.Originality/valueBased on the literature survey, this is the first study to adopt an action research approach to engage with the complex dynamics involved in the social context of COVID-19 by discovering the effective actions, reactions, changes and solutions to problems experienced by professional accountants. This approach helps to build knowledge that enhances professional, and community practises by answering the call for multidisciplinary contributions in accounting to address the global COVID-19 crisis, its impacts and opportunities for future research.

A critical examination of implementing government sponsored intellectual capital management and reporting programs for small and medium enterprises

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Tee Jeok Inn ◽  
John Dumay ◽  
Katsuhiko Kokubu
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to examine the impact of implementation of government-sponsored intellectual capital (IC) management and reporting (ICMR) programmes in Hong Kong and Japan for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the purpose of issuing an IC statement (ICS). Design/methodology/approach – The authors present a critical analysis using semi-structured interviews with employees and owners of Hong Kong and Japanese SMEs who participated in their respective government’s ICMR programmes and who published an ICS. Findings – The authors conclude that many enterprises did not achieve the full benefit of participating in the ICMR programme because consultants funded by the government prepared the ICS. Instead, consultants should take on more of a “missionary” role, educating enterprises about IC, rather than doing the work for them. Research limitations/implications – This research is restricted to enterprises that published one or more ICS. Future research should include enterprises participating in the ICMR programme that failed to publish an ICS. Practical implications – Enterprises that are able to utilise IC in their daily business routine will think IC is useful and continue using it. Conversely, those enterprises that relied on consultants to prepare the ICS will not understand its benefits. Originality/value – Policymakers should not solely concentrate on creating new IC reporting frameworks or guidelines for enterprises to follow because this focus limits the understanding of how enterprises can utilise IC concepts with the consequence that they may eventually give up on IC reporting.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document