A multi-agency perspective on psychological contract violation and turnover intention: perceived supervisor support as a boundary condition

Purpose This study aims to investigate both direct and spillover effects of psychological contract violation (PCV) on turnover intention (TI), as well as the moderating role of perceived supervisor support (PSS), within the context of consulting professional service firms. Design/methodology/approach In this study, 2 waves of data were collected from a sample of 357 consultants employed by the Big Four consulting firms. Findings The results revealed that PCV by either the consulting or client firm significantly increased TI toward the violating party. Additionally, a bidirectional spillover effect was observed, whereby PCV by the client firm influenced TI toward the consulting firm, and the reverse. Furthermore, PSS buffered the direct effects of PCV on TI. Notably, PSS also mitigated the spillover effect of PCV by the client firm on TI toward the consulting firm, though not the reverse. Originality/value In addition to direct effects, this study identified spillover effects of PCV on TI across multi-agency relationships, contributing to psychological contract research by highlighting a previously overlooked dynamic.