Abstract

This chapter offers an analysis of the dominant issues discussed throughout the Handbook of Employee Commitment, with an emphasis on the two most controversial issues: the conceptualization of the commitment construct (most notably, its dimensionality), and the overlap between commitment and related constructs (for example, embeddedness, engagement). In both cases, it is argued that theory and research are progressing as they should from an academic perspective, and that any resolutions to the controversies should be guided by implications for practice. In the meantime, research pertaining to employee commitment continues to generate a wealth of actionable knowledge that practitioners should find useful. The remainder of the chapter highlights some of the key issues raised throughout the Handbook with regard to the focus, consequences, and development of commitment, in general, and as they pertain to the investigation of commitment across cultures. New directions for future research are discussed and applications of new research strategies are encouraged. Readers with both academic and applied interests are directed to specific chapters in the book for new and interesting ideas for research and practice.