Contractual relations between employers and employees in an HEI: individual and organisational outcomes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between employees' experiences of contractual relations and job satisfaction, flourishing and turnover intention in a higher education institution (HEI). A cross-sectional survey design was used with 300 academic and support staff members. The State of the Employment and Psychological Contract Scales, Violation of Psychological Contract Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale, Mental Health Continuum - Short Form and Intention to Quit Scale were administered. The results showed that psychological contract violation, job dissatisfaction and low flourishing (emotional, psychological and social well-being) directly impact turnover intention. Lack of psychological contract fulfilment indirectly and negatively impact job satisfaction and flourishing via psychological contract violation. Psychological contract violation indirectly impacts turnover intention via job dissatisfaction and low flourishing of employees in an HEI. The results confirmed the importance of psychological contract fulfilment and non-violation for the job satisfaction, flourishing and retention of staff in HEIs.