This Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of social exchange theory, exploring its foundations, applications and future directions. It presents an in-depth analysis of exchange relationship dynamics across various organizational contexts, focusing on how workplace bonds influence outcomes and guiding practices.Leading scholars outline the fundamental tenets of social exchange theory, detailing its core principles and limitations, as well as its integration with other theories. Chapters investigate the causes and consequences of both prosocial and counterproductive work behaviors, as well as other key topics including multiplex exchange relationships and reciprocity. The Handbook examines emerging organizational challenges and phenomena through the lens of social exchange theory, highlighting the impact of AI and the gig economy, inclusion, corporate social responsibility and volunteering and work-life balance. Providing an inspiring research agenda, this book critically evaluates the current climate of social exchange theory-based research and identifies topics for future scholarship.This Handbook is a valuable resource for scholars and students of human resource management, business management and employment relations. It is also beneficial for practitioners in management fields who are interested in an evidence-based approach to people management.
