Title: Psychological contract fulfilment for volunteer youth sport coaches

Authors: Alanna Harman; Alison Doherty

Addresses: College of Professional Studies, Division of Sport Management, St. Augustine Hall, 2nd Floor, USA ' Western University, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON, Canada

Abstract: The nature of the exchange relationship between an individual and the organisation where they work or volunteer is fundamental to the individual's wellbeing and the organisation's success. Psychological contract represents an individual's expectations surrounding that relationship, and fulfilment of the contract is purported to be a critical positive force. This study assesses the content of volunteer coaches' psychological contract, and the impact of the fulfilment of that contract on their satisfaction, commitment, and intent to continue. A sample of 187 volunteer youth sport coaches completed an online survey. Coaches reported both relational and transactional expectations of their club. The results of polynomial regressions with further response surface analyses revealed that breach and its associated negative attitudinal outcomes was inclusive of both deficient and excessive provision of expectations. The findings highlight the complex nature of psychological contract fulfilment as a positive aspect of an effective volunteer environment.

Keywords: psychological contract; volunteers; community sport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2017.083988

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2017 Vol.17 No.1/2, pp.94 - 120

Received: 02 Apr 2016
Accepted: 25 Nov 2016
Published online: 30 Apr 2017 *

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