The Psychological Contract and Neurodivergent Employees: A Cross-Cultural Framework for Understanding Organizational Obligations and Fairness

Abstract

This conceptual paper addresses the critical gap in understanding how cultural dimensions influence psychological contract experiences of neurodivergent employees, proposing a novel theoretical framework that integrates cross-cultural management principles with neurodiversity research to examine organizational obligations and fairness perceptions. The study employs a discursive approach, synthesizing literature from psychological contract theory, neurodiversity research, and cross-cultural organizational behavior through comparative analysis of existing theories to identify research gaps in understanding neurodivergent employees' workplace experiences across cultural contexts. The analysis reveals significant theoretical gaps regarding how cultural values moderate the relationship between neurodivergent characteristics and psychological contract expectations, leading to the development of an integrated Cross-Cultural Neurodivergent Psychological Contract (CNPC) Framework that considers cultural dimensions, neurodivergent-specific factors, and organizational fairness mechanisms as key determinants of contract fulfillment. This research pioneers the first comprehensive theoretical framework examining psychological contracts for neurodivergent employees through a cross-cultural lens, introducing the CNPC Framework that bridges neurodiversity research with cross-cultural organizational behavior theory. While the conceptual nature requires empirical validation across multiple cultural contexts and diverse neurodivergent populations through longitudinal studies, the framework provides immediate guidance for multinational organizations developing culturally-sensitive neurodiversity initiatives and informs human resource policies for supporting neurodivergent talent across global contexts. The research contributes to creating inclusive workplaces that recognize both neurodivergent needs and cultural diversity, potentially improving employment outcomes for neurodivergent individuals worldwide while respecting cultural values.