Perceived Employer Psychological Contract Fulfillment of New-Generation Employees in China: Scale Development and Validity

Abstract

Existing psychological contract (PC) research has paid inadequate attention to specific cohorts like new-generation employees and their perceptions of employers' psychological contract fulfillment (PCF). Individuals' expectations and perceptions of employer obligations may differ contingent on age and life experience in different societal contexts. We explore the construct of perceived employer PCF among new-generation employees in China through one pilot study and two formal studies. The pilot study shows that new-generation employees' PCF generally differs from that of previous generations. In Study 1, we use qualitative and quantitative methods to develop a perceived employer PCF scale and find five dimensions: Employee care, positive culture and climate, empowering employees, salary and benefit satisfaction, growth and development. In Study 2, establishment of validity confirms the factor structure of Study 1, indicating the proposed measurement is valid. Our findings have significant implications for research and practice for new-generation employees in China.