The organisational psychology of contingent workforce in information systems.

In recent years, the number of contract workers in the field of Information Systems (IS) has grown significantly in some organisations, such that their presence and contribution towards organisational performance and effectiveness cannot be ignored. This research examines the differences in organisational psychology of IS permanent and contract workers in terms of their beliefs, perceptions, cross-cultures and performance. It focuses on the covenantal relationship and psychological contracts between these workers and their organisation in the area of perceived organisational support and perceived justice. A survey conducted in a large IS organisation revealed differences in organisation citizenship behaviours, performance expectation, trustworthiness, and some cross-culture characteristics between the permanent and contract workers. It was found that contract workers exhibit lower extra-role, in-role, loyal and obedient behaviours, have lower trust and performance expectation from supervisors, and have higher power distance and individualism as compared to permanent employees. In addition, an empirical model showing the significant relationships between the various organisational psychological factors was derived from the results of the survey.Master of Business Administration (Management of Information Technology