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“Who can I blame and what can I do?”: making sense of psychological contract evaluations between Belgian and Chinese employees

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  • Jiahong Du

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Tim Vantilborgh

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Abstract

This study explores cultural differences in the sensemaking process of employees following psychological contract evaluations. Data from 20 Belgian and 21 Chinese employees were collected using qualitative methods. An analysis of 94 critical incidents relayed by the employees reveals the attributional, emotional, and behavioral reactions that are triggered by psychological contract under-, exact-, and over-fulfillment. Our findings suggest that supervisors were seen as directly responsible for most of the employees’ psychological contract evaluations. Emotional responses are more complex in the process of attributing responsibility. Behavioral actions are subsequently used to deal with three types of psychological contract evaluations. A number of subtle differences are found between the Belgian and Chinese employees. The results highlight the unfolding and dynamic nature of the psychological contract in cultural comparisons.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiahong Du & Tim Vantilborgh, 2021. "“Who can I blame and what can I do?”: making sense of psychological contract evaluations between Belgian and Chinese employees," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:fobric:v:15:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1186_s11782-021-00105-w
    DOI: 10.1186/s11782-021-00105-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chih-Ting Shih & Chih-Hsun Chuang, 2013. "Individual differences, psychological contract breach, and organizational citizenship behavior: A moderated mediation study," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 30(1), pages 191-210, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yannick Griep & Samantha D Hansen & Johannes M Kraak, 2023. "Perceived identity threat and organizational cynicism in the recursive relationship between psychological contract breach and counterproductive work behavior," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 44(2), pages 351-384, May.

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