Reciprocation Wary Employees Discount Psychological Contract Fulfillment

Abstract

The present study examined the moderating role of reciprocation wariness in the association of employees’ psychological contract fulfillment with psychosomatic strain and voluntary turnover. Graduating college seniors of a large mid-Atlantic university were sent mail surveys as soon as they accepted a job but prior to their first day of employment, and again 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 18 months following the first day of employment. Reciprocation wariness markedly weakened the relationships of psychological contract fulfillment with reduced psychosomatic strain and voluntary turnover. Further, this perceived contract fulfillment by wariness interaction effect on psychosomatic strain and turnover was mediated by perceived organizational support. Thus, it appears that reciprocation wariness leads employees to discount psychological contract fulfillment as an indication of the organization’s valuation and caring of them, thereby lessening the positive influence of psychological contract fulfillment on psychological well-being and loyalty to the organization. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

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