Task
The psychological contract is a complex phenomenon. Psychological contracts are different from legal contracts especially in regards to the procedures followed in the event of breach of contract. Breach of a legal contract allows the aggrieved party to seek enforcement in court of law. A breach of a psychological contract, however, offers no such recourse, and the aggrieved party may choose only to withhold transactional or relational contributions made to the employer or organisation (Spindler, 1994).
Using the Organisational Behaviour theories and concepts you have studied, critically analyse and discuss the meaning of psychological contract breach and its effects employees, in particular on employee attitudes and behavioural job outcomes, such as, job satisfaction, intention to quit, organizational support, motivation, organizational citizenship behaviour and employees` job performance. Then consider the implications of your findings from the perspectives of both employees and their employing organisations.
Rationale
This assignment requires knowledge and understanding of the OB theory and concepts. In addressing this question you need to critically examine the ideas presented within the theories, and consider how they help you to make sense of the issue. The aim of this assignment is not to merely summarise theories as discussed within the text book, but to critically examine them in terms of their relevance and assistance.
Your discussion should include appropriate academic references, such as academic journal articles, which you should make a wide use of, to develop and support your arguments.
Marking Criteria
- Critically discuss the meaning of psychological contract breach and its effects on employees (8 marks - see marking guide below - Information/ 4 marks; Critique/ 4 marks).
- Critically analyse its effects on employees, in particular upon employee attitudes and job outcomes (8 marks - see marking guide below - Information/ 4 marks; Critique/ 4 marks).
- Critically discuss the implications of the findings for the lives and choices of employees and for their employing organisations (6 marks).
- Use correct written expression (4 marks).
- Use academic writing style and referencing (APA6) (4 marks).
Assignment 3 Workplace Issue Analysis: Breach of Psychological Contract – 30% of Final Mark
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Criteria
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High
Distinction
84-100%
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Distinction
75 – 84%
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Credit
65 – 74%
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Pass
50 – 64%
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Fail
49%
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INFORMATION,
RELEVANCE & DEPTH
MARK: / 8
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Highly proficient and evidence of rigorous use of a wide range of relevant peer-reviewed research.
All key issues expertly canvassed
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Scholarly use of a wide range of relevant peer-reviewed research. Most key issues identified
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Used an adequate range of relevant peer-reviewed research. An acceptable number of key issues identified
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Limited use of relevant peer-reviewed research. Some key issues identified
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Insufficient or unacceptable range of relevant peer-reviewed research consulted.
Few or no key issues identified
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CRITIQUE
ARGUMENT – EVIDENCE, EVALUATION
MARK: / 8
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Logical argument developed in a scholarly fashion supported by critical evaluation of evidence. Considers alternative interpretations, limitations, and significance of context. Conclusion draws argument together in and coherent and scholarly manner.
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Logically developed argument clearly supported by evaluation of evidence.
Comprehensive conclusion
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Logically developed argument supported by evidence.
Effective conclusion
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Argument is not well developed and supported.
Conclusion evident
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Argument, if evidenced, not developed or supported
Substandard, or no merit to conclusion
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IMPLICATIONS
MARK: / 6
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Considered evaluation of the implications of relevant theories and research evidence for the lives and choices of workers and for their employing organisations, including importance of contexts. Shows deep critical reflection of and engagement with subject material
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Evaluates the implications of relevant theories and research evidence for the lives and choices of workers and for their employing organisations. Shows detailed critical reflection of and engagement with subject material.
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Considers the implications of relevant theories and research evidence for the lives and choices of workers and for their employing organisations. Critical analysis is evident, drawing on relevant subject material
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Some consideration of the implications of some theories and research evidence for the lives and choices of workers and for their employing organisations.
Critical analysis attempted with some degree of competence
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Little consideration of implications of theories and research evidence to the lives and choices of workers and for their employing organisations. Critical analysis below standard or not evident
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EXPRESSION
MARK: / 4
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Excellence demonstrated in the use of language, spelling, grammar, syntax and semantics; well-structured organization, with good flow. Well-proofed copy.
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Competent use of language, spelling, grammar, syntax and semantics; good organisation and flow.
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Skilful use of language, spelling, grammar, syntax and semantics; adequate organisation and flow.
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Acceptable use of language, spelling, grammar, syntax and semantics; some degree of organisation and flow. Quotations used frequently
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Substandard use of language, spelling, grammar, syntax and semantics; poor organisation and flow; revisions needed. Remediation required
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PRESENTATION
MARK: / 4
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Superior skill demonstrated in use of correct referencing style
Proficient in paraphrasing key comments and sparing use of direct quotations.
Essay expertly presented in accordance with a high standard of scholarship
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Skill demonstrated in use of correct referencing style. Paraphrased key comments and used direct quotations very sparingly
Presentation set out with a notable standard of scholarship
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Reasonable skill in use of correct referencing style. Direct quotations used sparingly.
Presentation set out with an acceptable standard of scholarship
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Some inaccuracies in use of correct referencing style. . Quotations used frequently.
Presentation set out with some evidence of scholarship
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Referencing is either insufficient or has significant inaccuracies
Quotations over-used and/or used when irrelevant
Presentation inadequate with little regard for standards of scholarship
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