A psychological contract is created in which a staff person is led to believe that after several years of hard work, the supervisor will assist in a promotion. With that carrot, the boss obtains superior work, long hours and dedication from an ambitious employee. When the time comes for a return on the staff person’s investment, the boss reneges, either having overstepped his bounds (offering something he can’t provide) or failing to provide the staff person with the development necessary to step into the promised position.