The psychological contract under crisis: an exploration into the psychological contract of Ireland’s hospitality employees during COVID-19

Smith, Emma (2021) The psychological contract under crisis: an exploration into the psychological contract of Ireland’s hospitality employees during COVID-19. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Purpose – The emergence of COVID-19 has renewed discourse surrounding the significance of the psychological contract in the employment relationship. Scholars have recently observed that the psychological contract has been heavily affected by organisational change at the hands of COVID-19. Prior to this, contemporary psychological contract research had paid little attention to crises. COVID-19 has had an exceptionally heavy impact on Ireland’s hospitality industry, with unemployment rates soaring following government closures. The aim of this research is to add knowledge to the understanding of the psychological contract under crisis in Ireland’s hospitality industry.

Research Design – This a quantitative study, cross sectional in nature using a scale-based, closed questionnaire; Rousseau’s (2000) Psychological Contract Inventory. The targeted population included individuals employed in Ireland’s hospitality industry who experienced COVID-19 related temporary layoff. Statistical analysis is used to examine the relationship between styles and content of the psychological contract to test the hypotheses posed.

Findings – The findings indicate relational contracts dominate the sample tested and consistent communication as well as internal development opportunities support organisational commitment through crisis. Contrary to contemporary studies, this research finds that perceived employer obligations have been fulfilled and demonstrates no correlation between fulfilled employer obligations and turnover intention.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Hospitality Industry D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > Industrial Psychology > The Psychological Contract
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	27 Jan 2022 13:23
Last Modified:	27 Jan 2022 13:23
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5353

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