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Pace or Plummet? How Psychological Contract Breach Shapes Employee Performance Over Time

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines how psychological contract breach (PCB) influences employee performance trajectories over a year. By analyzing supervisor-rated performance across four intervals, two performance trajectories were identified: “Steady Achievers” (95.5%), who maintained high performance, and “Ebb and Flow Achievers” (4.5%), whose performance initially rose but later declined. PCB was associated with lower baseline performance in both groups, with “Ebb and Flow Achievers” experiencing less growth and sharper declines. These findings challenge the assumption of uniform consequences of PCB, offering a nuanced, trajectory-based perspective that captures the evolving and differential effects of PCB on employee performance over time. Moreover, they highlight the need for tailored support, including regular check-ins, accountability partnerships, and wellness resources.

Source: Group & Organization Management

DOI: 10.1177/10596011251324001

Authors: Yannick Griep, Johannes M. Kraak, Olivier Herrbach

Institutions: Université de Bordeaux, North-West University, Institut de Recherche en Gestion des Organisations, Kedge Business School

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900