The employment relationship amidst and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of (responsible) inclusive leadership in managing psychological contracts

M. de Ruiter*, R. Schalk

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
28 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In this conceptual chapter, we consider the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected what employees value in their employment relationship. Drawing from the psychological contract framework, we consider potential shifts in the types of obligations employees find important in the post-pandemic era. We propose that the main dimensions of the psychological contract—transactional, relational, and ideological—are upheld in post-COVID-19 psychological contracts. However, we expect that ideological obligations will generally become more important across industries and job types. Moreover, we posit that the type of obligations underlying the three dimensions will likely change and more importance is expected to be placed on dimensions such as safe working environments, inclusion, and diversity. We discuss the important role of (responsible) inclusive leadership in fulfilling psychological contracts and we present key challenges managers may face in employing (responsible) inclusive leadership in managing psychological contracts remotely beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. We specifically focus on challenges brought on by distrust, micromanaging, and generational differences. We conclude with the limitations of our conceptual endeavour and offer recommendations for future research and implications for practice.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVirtual management and the new normal
Subtitle of host publicationNew perspectives on HRM and leadership since the COVID-19 pandemic
EditorsS. Bergum, P. Peters, T. Vold
Place of PublicationCham.
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Chapter7
Pages121-139
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-06813-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • (Responsible) inclusive leadership
  • Belonging
  • Psychological contracts
  • Wellbeing

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