TY - JOUR

T1 - Perceived Breach of Contract for One’s Own Layoff vs. Someone Else’s Layoff

T2 - Personal Pink Slips Hurt More

AU - McKinley, William

AU - Rust, Kathleen G.

AU - Edwards, John C.

PY - 2005/3/1

Y1 - 2005/3/1

N2 - In this study we examine how the perception of layoff as a violation of a psychological contract can vary depending upon one's perception of employer contractual obligation. We also investigate how perceptions of layoffs vary depending on whether one is focusing on his/her own layoff or the layoff of someone else. Survey results from 81 layoff victims reveal that respondents perceive their own layoff as a breach of contract more than they do the layoff of someone else. In addition, respondents who believe strongly in employee self reliance perceive their own layoff as less of a contract breach. Ideas for future research and implications for managers are discussed in our conclusions.

AB - In this study we examine how the perception of layoff as a violation of a psychological contract can vary depending upon one's perception of employer contractual obligation. We also investigate how perceptions of layoffs vary depending on whether one is focusing on his/her own layoff or the layoff of someone else. Survey results from 81 layoff victims reveal that respondents perceive their own layoff as a breach of contract more than they do the layoff of someone else. In addition, respondents who believe strongly in employee self reliance perceive their own layoff as less of a contract breach. Ideas for future research and implications for managers are discussed in our conclusions.

KW - Management studies

U2 - 10.1177/107179190501100306

DO - 10.1177/107179190501100306

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 11

SP - 72

EP - 83

JO - Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies

JF - Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies

SN - 1548-0518

IS - 3

ER -