Abstract
Orientation: Very few studies examine the impact of peer relationships on the psychological contract.Research purpose: Using the backdrop of wine farm workers in the Western Cape, South Africa, the aim of our study was to explore the nature of peer relationships shaping the psychological contract. Motivation for the study: The agricultural sector of South Africa, in particular the wine farms in the Western Cape, has undergone radical change in the past decades as a result of labour legislation and changing government structures. It was therefore expected that these changes would influence the psychological contracts held by wine farm workers.Research approach, design and method: This qualitative study sampled all 24 full-time employees and 2 managers on the Constantia Hills Wine Estate in Cape Town, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the critical incident technique in combination with a series of open questions.Main findings: Our findings showed support for the existence of peer-to-peer psychological contracts and noted the valuable influence of a suitable conduit individual on the relationship between employees and their employer.Practical and/or managerial implications: Wine farm workers in South Africa have a strong need to be consulted after a lifetime of having no voice. In addition to ensuring suitable levels of two-way communication, management must understand the inter-peer contract and the nature of the relationships sustaining it.Contribution: Whilst literature has suggested that management of the psychological contract lies firmly within the domain of the employer, our findings indicated that ensuring harmonious peer-to-peer contracts was also central to good working relationships.
Highlights
PurposeVarious studies have been conducted, using different sample groups, investigating the nature and content of psychological contracts as well as the factors impacting on their formation (Bal, Chiaburu & Diaz, 2011; Conway & Coyle-Shapiro, 2012; Eckerd, Hill, Boyer, Donohue & Ward, 2013; Nadin & Williams, 2012)
We report on the findings of our study in three sections: support for the existence of peer-to-peer psychological contracts; the influence of peer-to-peer relationships on the psychological contract; and the influence of a facilitated relationship between the employee and the employer
Various types of employee-employee support surfaced in this study that indicated that support and co-operation were important elements in the work lives of all the farm workers at Constantia Hills
Summary
Various studies have been conducted, using different sample groups, investigating the nature and content of psychological contracts as well as the factors impacting on their formation (Bal, Chiaburu & Diaz, 2011; Conway & Coyle-Shapiro, 2012; Eckerd, Hill, Boyer, Donohue & Ward, 2013; Nadin & Williams, 2012) Most of these studies have been done in developed countries (Hui, Lee & Rousseau, 2004) with very little focus on the nature and form of employment relationships in the developing world (Hipkin, 2000; Lee & Mohamed, 2006). Using the backdrop of wine farm workers in the Constantia Valley, South Africa, this article explores the peer relationships shaping the psychological contract of this group of employees
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
