PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT FULFILLMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AND LECTURERS’ LOYALTY: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model that can help enhance lecturers’ loyalty in Nigerian
Universities. After critically reviewing the extant literature, the study recognized the importance of
psychological contract fulfilment (PCF) in enhancing employee loyalty (EL). Consequently, the study draws
from social exchange theory (SET) and proposes a positive relationship between PCF and lecturers’ loyalty.
However, prior studies argued that SET does not adequately explain employees’ responses to PCF. Therefore,
the study supported SET with social identity theory (SIT) and proposes the mediating role of organizational
identification (OI). The contribution of this study lies in supporting SET with SIT and suggests that employees'
motivation to reciprocate PCF with positive attitudes and behaviour is transmitted by their identification with
the organization. Furthermore, the study highlights to the policymakers the salience of PCF in overcoming the
problem of lack of loyalty among lecturers.