ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the findings of the international research project "Jobs in the 1980s". Some people have an inner need to do a good job regardless of pay. Their religion, upbringing, and education have imbued them with a work ethic. The prevalence of an implanted work ethic differs greatly between countries. The invisible contract fares badly in many countries. In Britain, it is poorly developed, and workers may withhold efforts above the minimum required by the formal contract. In Japan, there are growing signs that the invisible contract is abused and that workers feel cheated. Good invisible contracts were found in Sweden. Good invisible contracts are more common at small workplaces than at large ones, more common among white-collar than blue-collar workers, more common in the private sector than in the public sector. But good invisible contracts can develop also in large organizations, provided they have a good leadership sensitive to issues of values, interpersonal relations, and performance.
