Relational Contract and Social Learning in Hybrid Organization

Abstract

Ian Macneil’s relational theory provides a powerful conceptual apparatus for analysing the ways in which social exchange behaviour both gives rise to and is supported by the ‘common contract norms’ of role integrity, reciprocity, implementation of planning, effectuation of consent, flexibility, contractual solidarity, the protection of reliance and expectation interests, the creation and restraint of power, the propriety of means, and harmonization within the social matrix (Macneil, 2000b, pp. 879–80). These norms are derived from the ‘primal roots’ of contract (the social conditions that need historically to have become established in order for contractual exchange to be possible): the development of society and the specialization of labour, and the capacity of human beings to exercise choice and be consciously aware of the future (Macneil, 1980, pp. 1–4). While relatively ‘discrete’ norms are particularly important for planning, relatively ‘relational’ norms are necessary to support co-operation throughout the duration of the contract. Wherever social interaction occurs, the quality of relationships may be assessed with reference to the configuration of such norms in the contractual environment.