transactional psychological contract

A transactional psychological contract refers to the unspoken expectations and beliefs between an employee and employer that focus on specific, short-term exchanges. It involves clear, defined goals—like completing a task for a particular reward or salary—and typically assumes that once the exchange is fulfilled, the relationship ends. This contrasts with a relational contract, which emphasizes ongoing loyalty and broader commitment. In essence, transactional psychological contracts highlight a pragmatic, goal-oriented mindset where both parties anticipate direct benefits from their interactions without long-term emotional or relational ties.