Indirect crossover of psychological contract underfulfillment: A leader-member analysis

A total of 84 pairs of supervisors and subordinates participated in this dyadic study exploring how unique evaluations of psychological contracts can crossover from leaders to members. Results indicate that when leaders reported more psychological contract underfulfillment (PCUF), they communicated their strain to members in the form of cynicism, emotional displays, and exploring different job opportunities. Additionally, despite controlling for leader-member exchange, cynicism communicated by the leaders to members about organization underfulfillment maintained a significant mediating crossover relationship between leader and member PCUF. Findings suggest that leader's experiences with their unique contracts may influence how members experience PCUF.