scholarly journals Psychological contracts of international business travellers

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1701-1715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Atkinson ◽  
Els Pareit
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
International Human Resource Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Business Travellers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of psychological contracts of international business travellers (IBTs), a new form of expatriate that has arisen from the growing need for alternative forms of internationally mobile talent. The research is conducted in Belgium, a country recognised as a global hub in which international assignments are essential to economic success. Design/methodology/approach Research in respect of IBTs is limited and semi-structured interviews are used to explore Belgian employee perspectives. Findings The contract is more relational in nature than might be expected with an idiosyncratic mix of relational and transactional obligations. Research limitations/implications The research is small-scale and qualitative and not widely generalisable. Further it presents only employee perspectives. Nevertheless it generates rich insights into a phenomena about which little is known. Practical implications The findings develop understanding of how to manage the valuable strategic resource that is the IBT. Originality/value First, the research is of value to the International Human Resource Management field in developing understanding of a newly emerging form of international employee, the IBT. Second, it contributes to psychological contract research in both developing understanding the transactional/relational balance and in generating much-needed rich and nuanced qualitative data.

Support for female international business travellers in dual-career families

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Puchmüller ◽  
Iris Fischlmayr
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
International Business ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Dual Career ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Support Theory ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Business Travellers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate experiences of female international business travellers living in dual-career families (DCFs) who also have childcare obligations. In particular, the paper explores in which way different sources of support – specifically organizational support – are perceived as important and are available to the women under research. Because of the women’s regular absences due to business trips and the fulfilment of their family role, challenges regarding childcare or household responsibilities may occur. Consequently and also according to social support theory, different types of support may be necessary to organize family and international career, and effectively perform in both environments. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the experiences and thoughts of these women with special regards on support issues. Data are collected from 51 semi-structured interviews with internationally travelling women in DCF situations originating from seven Western and non-Western countries. The interviews are analysed applying template analysis. Findings Results show that, across countries, support is mainly derived from within family. Regarding institutional or organizational support, however, the reported expectations and actually offered activities differ because of local institutional and cultural variations. The examined women value different forms of organizational support, but do not necessarily expect it. Originality/value This paper represents the first exploratory examinations of various forms of support for female international business travellers in DCFs suggested by social support theory. It includes a culturally diverse sample and contributes to cross-cultural career research.

scholarly journals Unpacking differences in psychological contracts of organizational and self-initiated expatriates

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Yue Zhang ◽  
Bart Rienties
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Cultural Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Global staffing has remained a main focus within the field of international human resource management (IHRM) since the 1970s. However, research in the psychological contract (PC) of expatriates is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in PC breach and violation for organisational expatriates and self-initiated expatriates (SIEs). Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was developed covering 52 organisational expatriates and 119 SIEs from 35 countries/regions working in China. Four follow-up focus group interviews including four organisational expatriates and 12 SIEs were conducted to further explain the findings of the survey. Findings The findings indicate that organisational expatriates experience significantly lower levels of PC breach and violation than SIEs. Three broad thematic areas arose from the triangulation of focus group interviews, including uncertainties in functioning of contracts, differences in job securities and career development opportunities, and cultural differences. Practical implications Employers should give a comprehensive orientation and cultural training to meet the needs of SIEs. Moreover, long-term career advancement paths should also be provided to SIEs to alleviate their vulnerability and insecurities working abroad. Originality/value The study contributes to the scholarship of self-initiated expatriation and PCs and give implications to IHRM strategies.

Manager-employee psychological contracts: enter the smartphone

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Obushenkova ◽  
Barbara Plester ◽  
Nigel Haworth
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Psychological Climate ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Contract Formation ◽  
Development Change ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Employee Relationship ◽  
User Device

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how company-provided smartphones and user-device attachment influence the psychological contract between employees and managers in terms of connectivity expectations and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using qualitative semi-structured interviews with 28 participants from four organizations. Findings The study showed that when organizations provide smartphones to their employees, the smartphones become a part of the manager-employee relationship through user-device attachment and this can change connectivity expectations for both employees and managers. Research limitations/implications Due to participant numbers, these findings may not be generalizable to all employees and managers who receive company smartphones. However, the authors have important implications for theory. The smartphone influence on the psychological climate and its role as a signal for workplace expectations suggest that mobile information and communication technology devices must be considered in psychological contract formation, development, change and breach. Practical implications The perceived expectations can lead to hyper-connectivity which can have a number of negative performance and health outcomes such as technostress, burnout, absenteeism and work-life conflict. Social implications Smartphone usage and user-device attachment have the potential to redefine human relations by encouraging and normalizing hyper-connected relationships. Originality/value This study makes an original contribution to psychological contract theory by showing that smartphones and attachment to these devices create perceived expectations to stay connected to work and create negative outcomes, especially for managers.

scholarly journals Using complexity and volatility characteristics to guide hybrid project management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Costantini ◽  
Jon G. Hall ◽  
Lucia Rapanotti
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper aims to provide methodological support for hybrid project management, in which the discipline of predictive methodologies combines with the flexibility of adaptive ones. Specifically, the paper explores the extent complexity and volatility dimensions of organisational problems inform choices of PM methodologies both theoretically and in current practice, as a first step towards better methodological support for hybridisation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a mixed method approach, including both secondary research and primary research with practitioners. Primary research consists of a small scale survey (n = 31) followed by semi-structured interviews, with findings triangulated against secondary evidence.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights on how complexity and volatility of organisational problems can inform hybrid project management practices. Specifically, it suggests a mapping between volatility and complexity dimensions and predictive and adaptive risk controls as a first step towards the systematisation of hybrid combinations in projects.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the small participant sample, the research results may lack generalisability.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the development of methodological support for setting up hybrid projects in practice.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a gap acknowledged both in the literature and by practitioners.

Modelling the subjective experience of fun at work

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 520-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maeve Clancy ◽  
Carol Linehan
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Fresh Insight ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain some divergent findings on experiences of fun at work. It explains conflicting findings by moving from a focus on classifying the activity (as, e.g. task/managed/organic) to foregrounding the dynamics of the experience, adding to the growing conceptualisation of fun at work as a multi-dimensional construct.Design/methodology/approachThis research draws on empirical data obtained through case study and interviews with 13 participants from two organisations. These interviews were subjected to intense thematic analysis.FindingsIt was found that an individual’s underlying beliefs about the organisation; the perceived drivers of the fun practice; and the level of control exerted over a fun practice significantly shape the experience. The paper draws on the concept of the psychological contract to frame the relationship between these three key interacting elements.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a greater understanding of the dynamics of fun experiences, enabling management to better recognise and contextualise the impact of fun practices.Originality/valueGiven conflicting findings on both the experience and outcomes of fun at work, this study elucidates the dynamics underpinning the experience of fun at work. It is novel to consider experiences of fun through the lens of psychological contracts, which offers fresh insight into the understanding of individual experiences of fun.

The development of HR support for alternative international assignments. From liminal position to institutional support for short-term assignments, international business travel and virtual assignments

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-270
Author(s):  
Joost Bücker ◽  
Erik Poutsma ◽  
Roel Schouteten ◽  
Carolien Nies
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Business Travel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
International Hrm ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Specific Working

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how and why HR practitioners perceive the need to develop international HRM practices to support short-term assignments, international business travel and virtual assignments for internationally operating organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed 29 HR practitioners from multinationals located in the Netherlands.FindingsAlternative international assignments seem not to belong to the traditional expatriate jobs, nor to regular domestic jobs and show a liminal character. However, over the last few years we have gradually seen a more mature classification of the Short-term Assignment, International Business Traveler and Virtual Assignment categories and more active use of these categories in policymaking by organizations; this reflects a transition of these three categories from a liminal position to a more institutionalized position.Research limitations/implicationsFor this research, only international HRM practitioners were interviewed. Future studies should include a broader group of stakeholders.Practical implicationsInternational HRM departments should take a more proactive role regarding alternative forms of international assignees. Furthermore, HR professionals may develop training and coaching and consider rewards and benefits that could provide allowances for specific working conditions that are part of international work.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to relate the framework of institutional logic and liminality to explain the why of HR support for alternative international assignees.

Psychological contracts for key employees

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-43
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Employer Perspective ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings It is often stated that any organization’s most valuable asset is its workforce. Effective management of human capital is therefore crucial if the firm is to prosper. To this end, managers have an important part to play. A key feature of their role is to help entice, develop and retain talent. They additionally act as the company’s agent in establishing the psychological contract (PC) that is sometimes created between the employer and an individual worker. Psychological contracts reflect certain obligations the company makes to an employee. Managers act to facilitate these agreements that often involve both explicit and implicit pledges. Their profound understanding of the employer perspective makes them ideal for this function. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

“Keeping the family side ticking along”

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Baker ◽  
Sylwia Ciuk
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Business Travellers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the work-family interface of two non-traditional forms of expatriation. The paper contributes to existing research by comparing and contrasting the experiences of international business travellers and rotational assignees, pointing out the similarities in their experiences but also showing considerable differences in how the work-family interface plays out in these two groups. Design/methodology/approach – In line with the exploratory nature of the research, the authors carried out a qualitative case study drawing on interview data with rotators and international business travellers (n=20). In order to get more in-depth insights into the experiences of these two groups of assignees, the authors also used the photo-elicitation technique, which corresponds with the recent recognition that the evolving nature of international assignments requires alternative methods of inquiry to enhance the understanding of the challenges faced by them. Findings – The study points to four major factors affecting the work-family interface: time spent away, unpredictability of work schedules, limited ability to exercise control over it as well as limited availability of organisational support. The findings illustrate that while these factors impact international business travellers and rotators alike, their intensity varies considerably in the experiences of these two groups. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on a single case study and a small sample which needs to be considered when discussing the implications of the findings. Future research can valuably extend and build on the here reported observations. Practical implications – A number of practical implications are discussed, notably pertaining to the ways in which organisations can mitigate the challenges encountered by international business travellers and rotators. Originality/value – The papers focuses on two groups of assignees that are underrepresented in the expatriate literature despite their increasing empirical significance in international business.

Covenantal leadership and the psychological contract: moral insights for the modern leader

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1302-1312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cam Caldwell ◽  
Zuhair Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Citizenship ◽  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Leadership Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Duties ◽  
Implicit And Explicit ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Research confirms that leaders continue to struggle in earning followers’ trust, commitment, and organizational citizenship. The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance of the relationship between leader and followers as a covenant and to identify five roles of the leader that are necessary to be effective in creating the required relationship with followers to earn their trust in an increasingly competitive and complex market. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is to present a summary of the nature of psychological contracts and to identify seven testable propositions about covenantal leadership and its ability to build trust and honor duties implied in psychological contracts of employees. Findings The authors explain how the five roles of the covenantal leader increase trust and examine each of these roles in identifying the importance of covenantal leadership in serving the modern leader. Research limitations/implications This research reaffirms the importance of leaders understanding the often unarticulated perceptions of their employees in imposing moral duties and obligations on leaders and organizations. Practical implications The practical value of this paper lies in its insights about the importance of leaders understanding and honoring implied as well as stated duties, and in recognizing employee perceptions about their needs and the often unaddressed obligations of leaders and organizations. Social implications The underlying assumptions of this paper are that leaders who seek to create greater commitment and higher performance can do so by seeking out, understanding, and honoring the implicit and explicit assumptions and expectations of their employees. Originality/value Covenantal leadership is a relatively new leadership model introduced by Moses Pava (2003) and the five roles of covenantal leadership have rarely been addressed as a leadership perspective in the scholarly and practitioner literature.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

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