Preferred, expected, and allocated equity in intragroup and intergroup distribution of resources

Three-person groups allocated resources (lots or chances in a lottery) to themselves (intragroup allocation) or to the members of another group (intergroup allocation). The number of lots to be allocated corresponded to the sum of the three scores of the group members on a previous vocabulary test, with one lot allocated for each correct answer. After learning the scores of the three members of their own or the other group, the members first indicated their preferred allocation of lots and their expected allocation by the group. They then chose an equity or equality allocation rule and allocated the lots to each of the three members of their own group (intragroup allocation) or the other group (intergroup allocation). After learning of the number of lots they had received, they then rated the fairness of the outcome and the process of allocation. The group members generally preferred to allocate by an equity rather than an equality rule and generally expected the group to allocate by an equity rule rather than an equality rule. Consistent with both the preferences and expectations of their members, the groups generally chose and generally allocated by an equity rule. This consistency between the preferences and expectations of the group members and the choice of an allocation rule and actual allocation by the groups was invariant across both intragroup allocation by the group members to themselves and intergroup allocation by the group to the members of other groups. The members of groups who allocated for themselves subsequently believed that both the outcomes and the process of allocation was more fair than did the members of groups who received allocations from other groups. After all subjects had participated, the lottery was run as described, and the winners contacted and paid their prizes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Zimmerman, Suzi Kaye

Contributors dc:contributor

• Laughlin, Patrick R.

• Psychology, Social

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1991 Zimmerman, Suzi Kaye

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9211062
(UMI)AAI9211062

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/19717