Anticipatory psychological contracts of young labour market entrants: a multi-country study with a Confucian work ethic 'twist'

Abstract

We explore institutional and cultural effects on anticipatory psychological contracts (APCs) of young labour market entrants in four countries: China and South Korea (Confucian East Asia) and Poland and Slovenia (Central and Eastern Europe). We identify prevailing APC types and compare country APC scores, applying the concept of a Confucian work ethic. Using matched country samples of 953 undergraduate business students as future labour market entrants, our results challenge the hypothesised prevalence of the transactional APC type within this generational cohort. Overall, the balanced APC type was most desirable for employee obligations, while the relational APC type was most desirable for employer obligations. Expectations regarding personal development (balanced APC) were universally high. However, a Confucian work ethic can be linked to higher performance orientation (balanced APC) in terms of employee obligation and higher loyalty (relational APC) in terms of employer obligation in China and South Korea. We discuss implications for attracting, managing and retaining young talents.