A phenomenological study of psychological contract breach resolution as experienced by Indonesian Muslim academics

Abstract

This study investigates how Indonesian Muslim academics address psychological contract breaches (PCB) and the role of Islamic teachings in this process. Using a phenomenological approach, 11 interviews were conducted, leading to four key findings. The first finding identified types of PCBs experienced by academics, including transactional, relational, and ideological breaches, impacting their emotions and daily lives. The second finding revealed strategies used by academics, such as voice, silence, seeking family and colleague support, learning, and time management. Meanwhile, the third finding showed Islamic teachings’ involvement in PCB resolution, using strategies like reverting to work intention, engaging in rituals, dealing with situations, and reframing and acceptance. The final finding disclosed that PCB resolution contributed to two end states, namely job focus and helping others. This study contributes to social exchange theory, showing constructive reactions driven by Islamic teachings, and extends sensemaking theory by emphasizing Islamic teachings as powerful sensemaking resources. Additionally, it uncovers job resources in Islamic teachings, contributing to the job demand-resource model. The study also highlights Islamic teachings’ role in PCB resolution and end states, contributing to literature overlooking the Islamic perspective. Limited to Muslim academics in an Islamic organization, future research could broaden the scope to include academics in non-Islamic institutions or Muslim employees in diverse organizations, given potential variations in PCB experiences and resolutions.