Then and Now: Psychological Contracts

Abstract

Over the years, the management field has had many important contributors to its theoretical development and practical application of major concepts. As a relatively young academic discipline, we are fortunate to have access to many of the pioneers responsible for its foundation, history, and evolution. The “Then and Now” program actively involves these people and provides a forum to engage with those who are following in their footsteps. “Then and Now” is an annual symposium that appeals to new and seasoned scholars across the Academy. Prior sessions have centered on goal setting (Locke, Latham & Picollo, 2011), expectancy theory (Vroom & Ellingson, 2012), leadership (Schriesheim, Gardner & Antonakis, 2013), positive OB (Luthans, Welsh & Peterson, 2014) organizational justice (Folger, Bies & Rodell, 2015), trust (Sitkin, Gillespie & de Jong, 2016), turnover (Lee, Kraimer & Halvorsen, 2017), job design (Oldham, Kulik, Wrzesniewski & Baer, 2018), and entrepreneurial orientation (Miller, Lumpkin, Wiklund & Wales, 2019). This year’s session focuses on Psychological Contracts. The symposium will begin with Denise Rousseau describing how she became interested in this topic, who collaborated/supported her, and how this construct developed. Dr. Ho will talk about her research on psychological contracts, and how it spans generations and extends ideas. The “Now” panelist Dr. Hansen will describe how her recent research on psychological contracts has evolved from the original body of work, and where it is likely to go next. The symposium concludes with audience discussion.