Navigating evolving employment realities: an integrative model of psychological contract in contemporary workplaces

This paper enhances the psychological contract literature by proposing a multifaceted model exploring actions and reactions linked to perceived unmet expectations in the workplace. Unlike previous research on cause-and-effect dynamics, the model addresses the intricate nature of the psychological contract, integrating elements like commitment, well-being, and retention. It identifies key areas for future research, including longitudinal studies to track psychological contract evolution over time and across industries, as well as the impact of cultural differences and organisational structures. The paper reviews historical and contemporary conceptualisations, consolidates knowledge on employee perceptions, and provides practical recommendations for managing the psychological contract in evolving employment landscapes. Limitations include challenges in measuring contract breaches across varied contexts and cultures, which future research should address. This paper offers theoretical and practical insights while highlighting areas needing further exploration.