Final answer:
The correct answer is a. psychological contract. This term refers to the implicit agreements and expectations between employers and employees, like wage stability in exchange for loyalty. If employees feel these implicit agreements are broken, they can feel a sense of betrayal.
Step-by-step explanation:
When employees perceive that a benefit they have become accustomed to is taken away, such as internet access, they may feel that a psychological contract has been breached. This psychological contract is akin to an implicit agreement between the employer and the employee that establishes certain expectations beyond the formal contract. For instance, an employer might attempt to protect employee wages during difficult economic times, thus creating an expectation that they will not suffer significant wage cuts. Likewise, employees might not demand substantial raises during periods of economic stability or business success. This mutual understanding provides employees with a sense of security and fairness, balancing out the risks and benefits of their employment over time.
If this balance is disrupted, for example by arbitrarily restricting internet access, it can lead to a sense of betrayal which may provoke negative reactions from employees. They might feel that the trust which underpinned their relationship with their employer has been compromised, potentially leading to reduced motivation or even prompting them to seek employment elsewhere.