The role of confucianism in the formation of psychological contracts: Evidence from China

We investigated the role of cultural factors in the formation of psychological contracts in a Chinese context, on the basis that psychological contracts are different in different cultures. In particular, we considered Confucianism, which can govern the formation of psychological contracts in an Asian context. As people with different personalities make different psychological contracts, we hypothesized that the Asian-specific factor of Confucianism would moderate the relationship between 3 personality factors, namely, neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness, and the formation of psychological contracts. Thus, we surveyed 217 people employed in organizations in China, and found a moderating effect of Confucianism on the relationship between conscientiousness and relational psychological contracts. These findings suggest that when Confucianism is internalized, the Chinese workplace environment can be effectively managed by relational psychological contracts. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.