The psychological contract is considered a critical construct in organizational behavior literature because it informs employee emotions, attitudes, and behaviors in the workplace. Although the psychological contract has been explored extensively over the last 50 years, numerous theoretical, conceptual, empirical, methodological, and analytical changes have pushed the field forward. As such, it is time to take stock and move forward. The contributors to this Handbook explore in detail this important component of modern management thinking.

How can we understand the relationship between employer and employee? What determines the give and take of such relationships and what happens when they go wrong? This text is a comprehensive overview of what is now the major way of trying to understand the employment relationship - the concept of the psychological contract.

Bringing together a wide range of theory from social and cognitive psychology, organizational behaviour, organizational learning and the management of change, this text draws useful conclusions about important psychological processes.

What is the psychological contract? How do the psychological contracts of professional workers change over time? Do professional workers feel more committed to their profession or to their employing organization? Can psychological contracts be 'managed'? These are some of the key questions addressed by this book in its examination of the role played by the psychological contract in the developing careers of professional workers. The book seeks to make sense of the organizational experiences of the professional worker by drawing on several areas of research, including the psychological contract, social identity theory, theories of career development and retention. The author uses real-life examples and short case studies to situate psychological theory within organizations. Beginning with an introduction of the history and concept of the psychological contract, the book provides an overview of the major areas of research. However it goes beyond a simple description to focus on the careers of professional workers, from factors influencing the entrance into a profession, to the process of developing professional identities and career progression. The developing professional career may involve a progression to managerial responsibilities which can lead to organizational conflict. The book offers insights into the influence of the psychological contract when it comes to critical career decisions, including a discussion of the consequences of psychological contract violation. Finally the role of HR is examined with reference to the 'management' of the psychological contract and the retention of key professional workers within organizations. The book is key reading for all psychology students, especially those specializing in occupational, organizational, work and business psychology. It will also be of interest to HR students and HR professionals, business students and health professionals.

Positive psychology focuses on finding the best one has to offer and repairing the worst to such a degree that one becomes a more responsible, nurturing, and altruistic citizen. However, since businesses are composed of groups and networks, using positive psychology in the workplace requires applications at both the individual and the group levels. There is a need for current studies that examine the practices and efficacy of positive psychology in creating organizational harmony by increasing an individual’s wellbeing. The Handbook of Research on Positive Organizational Behavior for Improved Workplace Performance is a collection of innovative research that combines the theory and practice of positive psychology as a means of ensuring happier employees and higher productivity within an organization. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as team building, spirituality, and ethical leadership, this publication is ideally designed for human resources professionals, psychologists, entrepreneurs, executives, managers, organizational leaders, researchers, academicians, and students seeking current research on methods of nurturing talent and empowering individuals to lead more fulfilled, constructive lives within the workplace.

Contains 15 essays which discuss from diverse national perspectives obligations workers owe their employers and those owed by employers to their employees.

The psychological contract lies at the heart of your relationship with the organisation you work for. It is the deal you make with your employer and colleagues at work; it is about your mutual expectations and their fulfilment. Too often this contract is implicit and left to chance, resulting in misunderstanding, stress, lower commitment and performance. The author demonstrates how to use the psychological contract to raise the business game and increase personal fulfilment. Managing the Psychological Contract is the first book which shows how the psychological contract can be used in practice. In it Michael Wellin advocates going beyond the traditional static view of the psychological contract between the organisation and its employees. He shows how to create unique and dynamic customised Personal Deals between people and teams. He does this by showing how to make personal deals explicit and mutual, and provides practical tips for leaders, employees and HR professionals. Separate chapters are devoted to leadership, culture change and strategic HR management. There is also a chapter of practical ideas for individuals who want to change their personal deal at work. The author's ideas are based on his own research and consultancy experience as well as the latest business school research. The book has a number of case studies showing how different organisations use the psychological contract. This is an important and extremely readable book for all those concerned with the improved performance of people and organisations.