Understanding the psychological contract: a direction for the future

Purpose – This paper sets out to review selected psychological contract literature to aid in developing understandings about the unique nature of today's work agreements and work environment. This conceptual paper aims to provide practical knowledge, future research directions and fill several gaps in knowledge about the contract. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides insights and directions for future psychological contract research, while explaining the implications for research and practice of the work previously undertaken in developing this area of research. Findings – This paper suggests that psychological contract measurement and its theoretical implications must be reconsidered. In this context, the interface with organizational justice literature is discussed. Originality/value – Limited research in the field has focused on the implications of previous research. This paper aims to bring together what has been done previously and provide directions for future study.