Psychological contract breach and job attitudes: a meta-analysis of age as a moderator

P Matthijs Bal, Annet H. De Lange, Paul G. W. Jansen, Mandy E.G. Van Der Velde

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

306 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of age in the relation between psychological contract breach and the development of job attitudes. Based on affective events, social exchange, and lifespan theory, we hypothesized that (1) psychological contract breach would be related negatively to job attitudes, and (2) that age would moderate these relations. The hypotheses were tested by means of a meta-analysis of k = 60 studies, using Weighted Least Squares estimation. Our results supported both hypotheses for the outcomes trust and organizational commitment. However, for job satisfaction the moderating influence of age was in the unexpected direction. The relations between contract breach and trust and organizational commitment were indeed stronger for younger workers, whereas the relation between contract breach and job satisfaction was stronger for older workers. The implications are discussed, and a research agenda is presented.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)143-158
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior
Volume72
Issue number1
Early online date2 Jan 2008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2008

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