Uncovering Missing Voices: Invisible Aspects of Idiosyncratic Deals (I-Deals). Issue 1 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simosi, Maria; Aldossari, Maryam; Chaudhry, Sara; Rousseau, Denise M.
• Other Names: Simosi Maria guest-editor.; Aldossari Maryam guest-editor.; Sara Chaudhry guest-editor.; Rousseau Denise M. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Group & organization management. Volume 48:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Group relations training -- Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1177/10596011221120377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-6011

Abstract

To provide context for this special issue's eight articles, we review the lenses adopted in i-deals research and its findings and then address under-studied aspects of i-deals. Part of the societal trend toward customization of employment arrangements, the i-deals workers negotiate for themselves are the subject of a growing body of research. We observe that i-deals research investigates both antecedents and consequences of i-deals at levels from the individual and dyad to team and organization. Numerous theories have been applied to explain i-deal phenomena beginning with social exchange theory in its initial research to social comparison and diverse theories regarding human needs and values. Employers are known to use i-deals to attract, motivate, and retain workers, while employees pursue i-deals to better their work lives and career opportunities. Although the positive effects of i-deals for organizations and i-dealers alike are well-documented, potential negative effects are under-studied. Moreover, white collar workers in developed countries are the recurrent focus in i-deals research to the neglect of other occupations and societies. In this article and special issue, we seek insights regarding understudied aspects of i-deals to deepen investigation into their myriad manifestations and effects.