Characterize the organizational reciprocity in the university context through to the perception of teachers-managers was aim of this study. The research took a qualitative approach with exploratory and descriptive focus and it involved semistructured interviews. The Participants, teachers-managers of universities of Santa Catarina, Brazil, show that the recognition and appreciation of the efforts they expend not constitute, or if so, they little appear as managerial practices of their bosses; their expectations of retribution are not fully considered; which reinforce in them the perception of debt by the university. But, although these expectations of reciprocity are frustrated, teachers-managers continue to deliver innovative, suggestive and cooperative acts, demonstrating their dedication to the course and with the work, a fact explained by their level of commitment to the organization that employs them.
Bonding process at work; organizational reciprocity; teachers-managers