Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia

Abstract

This qualitative study furthers understanding of psychological contract violation experiences as examined through the lens of administrative middle managers in higher education settings. Psychological contract is defined as unstated expectations in the employment relationship which, when violated, results in negative outcomes for employers and employees. In higher education, middle managers are professional staff with titles such as director, associate director, or assistant director across academic and student affairs units. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the meaning of violation experiences for administrative middle managers in higher education settings. This study advanced understanding of post-violation outcomes on participants’ work and future career intentions. This study found that participants’ psychological contract violation experiences had a wounding effect, including negative emotional impacts, feelings of isolation, increased vulnerability, and feelings of responsibility for the violation experience. In addition, participants made sense of their violation experience by focusing on their passion for serving students, the importance of work to their identity, and the responsibility they felt as leaders. Study participants remained in their work settings despite the violation experience and negative impacts. This study resulted in implications for practice for three entities: higher education institutions, administrative middle managers, and professional associations.

Extent

241 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Dissertation (PhD)--Florida Atlantic University, 2023.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00014254

Format

pdf

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