Perceived organisational support as a mediator of the relationship between psychological contract and organisational citizenship behaviour

Abstract

Purpose. This study analyses the effect that fulfilment of psychological contract has on the organisational citizenship behaviour of employee. This effect is probed with regard to the mediation effect of an alternative theory of perceived organisational support. Study design. Drawing data from various educational institutions across India the study used survey questionnaire on a population of 350 faculties and 60 deans (supervisor) dyad. Total sample size of the study was 400 from which 100 were supervisors and 300 employees. Out of total sample 220 were male and 180 females. It was using quantitative and qualitative method for data analysis and interpretation. For measurement scales adopted are D. W. Organ's scale (for measuring organisational citizenship behaviour), D. M. Rousseau's PCF scale (for evaluating fulfilment of contract) and R. Eisenberger's scale (for measuring perceived support from organisation). Findings. It was found that fulfilment of psychological contract has a significant positive impact on organisational citizenship behaviour and perceived organisational support. Employee commitments to organisational outcomes may be achieved through setting and actualization of psychological contracts. The study also confirmed the mediating effect of perceived organisational support on the relationship between these two variables. Originality. The originality of the paper lies in the application of the theoretical framework of organisational support to psychological contract instead of using the social exchange theory as used by most researchers.