A psychological contract perspective to managing the employment relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic in the aviation industry

Although the literature on psychological contracts is rich, researchers have so far paid limited attention to in times of crisis. To investigate how employees assess their during a crisis, we conducted 32 semistructured interviews third wave COVID-19 pandemic Europe. The interviewees worked airline industry, which severely affected. Our qualitative approach allowed us gain novel insights into mechanisms by are managed when typical parameters contract assessment not possible, thereby allowing expand theory. In addition illustrating key employer obligations that perceived introduce two theoretical concepts –psychological credit and inactivation – explain practical findings this study relevance HR managers managing future crises addressing aftermath pandemic.