A social exchange theory framework for understanding the job characteristics–job outcomes relationship: the mediating role of psychological contract fulfillment

Birtch, Thomas A.; Chiang, Flora F.T.; Van Esch, Emmy

Abstract

This study integrated the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and concept of psychological contract fulfillment into a social exchange theory process framework to improve our understanding how and when job characteristics interact to influence job outcomes. Using survey data (n = 334), we found evidence to support our hypothesized relationships between job characteristics (job demands and job resources) and job outcomes (job satisfaction and organizational commitment); and the mediating role of psychological contract fulfillment (transactional and relational), such that when job resources (job control and support) were high, the negative effects of high job demands on psychological contract fulfillment were attenuated. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Citation

Birtch, T. A., Chiang, F. F., & Van Esch, E. (2016). A social exchange theory framework for understanding the job characteristics–job outcomes relationship: the mediating role of psychological contract fulfillment. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 27(11), https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2015.1069752

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Dec 23, 2015
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Nov 3, 2017
• Journal: International Journal of Human Resource Management
• Print ISSN: 0958-5192
• Electronic ISSN: 0958-5192
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2015.1069752
• Keywords: job demands-resources; job satisfaction; organizational commitment; psychological contract fulfillment
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/786748
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09585192.2015.1069752