Publication Date

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Megumi Hosoda; Gwen Gao; Howard Tokunaga

Abstract

There has been some research on moderating factors of the relationship between psychological contract breach (PCB) and work engagement and affective commitment. However, most studies conducted have mainly focused on situational factors (e.g., job satisfaction, exchange imbalance), not on individual factors (e.g., personality traits). This research gap leaves a question in the role that personality traits play in influencing the negative consequences of PCB. The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of conscientiousness on the relationship between PCB and two outcomes, work engagement and affective commitment. Hypotheses were tested using 103 technology industry employees in the United States or Canada in an online survey. Although the results of this study did not support the hypothesis that conscientiousness would buffer the negative relationship between PCB and work engagement and affective commitment, they revealed that PCB indeed had a negative relationship with work engagement and affective commitment. Furthermore, results showed that conscientiousness was directly related to work engagement. Organizational actions to reduce the occurrence of PCB are discussed, including establishing clear and honest communication about expectations and obligations between the organization and its employees and careful assessment of employees’ needs.

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