Trust and the psychological contract

In: Employee relations, Band 29, Heft 3, S. 227-246

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute empirical data to the under‐researched relationship between trust and the psychological contract.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used carrying out 41 interviews in three case study firms, adopting a critical incident technique (CIT).FindingsTrust is present in all psychological contracts and its different bases, cognitive and affective, underpin transactional and relational obligations respectively.Research limitations/implicationsA small‐scale study using CIT which identifies especially salient issues but is not necessarily exhaustive. Provides a base for more detailed study of the relationship.Practical implicationsDemonstrates the impact of the differing bases of trust on the employment relationship. This information could contribute to better managing the employment relationship.Originality/valueThere are few extant empirical data on this relationship and a contribution is made to debates on the role of trust within the psychological contract by providing detailed empirical data.