Left Unsaid: The Role of Work Expectations and Psychological Contracts in Faculty Careers and Departure

Early career faculty bring many expectations to the door-steps of their new academic homes. Yet such expectations are often left unsaid. Unfortunately, what is left unsaid can be a major factor in faculty departure. This study makes a distinct contribution to the departure literature by examining the psychological contracts and work expectations of 33 faculty who left or were about to leave their university. Unfulfilled expectations and broken contracts about professional relationships, the nature of faculty work and the reward system, and resources shaped faculty departure decisions. We draw implications for the recruitment and retention of early career faculty.