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Journal of Business and Psychology
Published in: Journal of Business and Psychology 3/2011

01-09-2011

The Influence of Psychological Contract Breach on Temporary Workers’ Commitment and Behaviors: A Multiple Agency Perspective

Authors: Marie-Ève Lapalme, Gilles Simard, Michel Tremblay

Published in: Journal of Business and Psychology | Issue 3/2011

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of psychological contract breach on the commitment and behaviors of temporary workers engaged in a multiple agency relationship. Specifically, it aimed to measure the influence of contract breach by the employing agency and the client organization on temporary workers’ trust and affective commitment to the respective party, and on their adoption of discretionary behaviors at the client site.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The study was performed using a sample of agency workers from the banking sector, which was composed of 186 worker–supervisor dyads.

Findings

The results suggested that contract breach by the agency and the client was negatively related to temporary worker’s affective commitment toward the respective party. This relation was mediated by workers’ trust in each organization. The results also indicated that only commitment toward the client organization influenced the adoption of discretionary behaviors.

Implications

Understanding of the potential influence of the multiple psychological contracts of temporary workers helps to fully understand the reactions of these workers. As organizations rely heavily on these workers, this study shows how both the client and the agency can foster conditions conducive to the adoption of discretionary behaviors at the client site.

Originality/Value

This is the first study to provide evidence of the effects of psychological contract breach by each organization that temporary workers associate with on their attitudes and behaviors.
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Metadata
Title
The Influence of Psychological Contract Breach on Temporary Workers’ Commitment and Behaviors: A Multiple Agency Perspective
Authors
Marie-Ève Lapalme
Gilles Simard
Michel Tremblay
Publication date
01-09-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Business and Psychology / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 0889-3268
Electronic ISSN: 1573-353X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-010-9190-5

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