Not so i-deal: a critical review of idiosyncratic-deals theory and research

Conway, Neil and Coyle-Shapiro, Jacqueline (2016) Not so i-deal: a critical review of idiosyncratic-deals theory and research. In: Bal, Matthijs and Rousseau, Denise M., (eds.) Idiosyncratic Deals between Employees and Organizations: Conceptual Issues, Applications and the Role of Co-workers. Current issues in work and organizational psychology . Routledge, Abingdon, UK , pp. 36-64. ISBN 9781848724457

PDF - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (476Kb)

• LSE expert's profile
• Published Item

Abstract

We put i-deals under the microscope and critically review its definition, theory and empirical evidence with the aim of provoking debate about this intriguing idea. We scrutinize definitions of i-deals, highlighting confusing aspects and critique its features. We assess the offered theoretical mechanisms linking i-deals to putative outcomes, and consider whether ideals provide a novel lens to understanding the employee-organization relationship. We consider how i-deals research findings could – rather than showing the benefits of i-deals – be interpreted as reflecting how i-deals may damage employment relations and unit-level productivity. Finally, we identify problems with the ways i-deals have been measured and raise concerns about the research designs employed in empirical studies.

Item Type:	Book Section
Official URL:	https://www.routledge.com/
Additional Information:	© 2016 The Editors
Library of Congress subject classification:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Sets:	Departments > Management
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2016 08:27
URL:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/65947/

Actions (login required)

Record administration - authorised staff only