Cognitions and emotions - testing the tenets of Fairness Theory

In this study, we test the tenets put forth by Fairness Theory (Folger & Cropanzano, 2001). Fairness Theory argues that perceptions of unfairness are formulated through a cognitive process that evaluates an event in terms of the presence or absence of injury or harm, the commission or omission of discretionary conduct on the part of the entity responsible for the injury or harm, and whether or not an ethical or moral standard was violated by such conduct (termed “Would,” “Could,” and “Should,” respectively). In this paper, we examine the role each of these elements plays in the assessment of fairness. Across two laboratory studies we show that a combination of harm and moral infraction shows the strongest effects on both first- and third-party justice perceptions, anger, and subsequent behaviors, whereas perceived discretion (“Could”) has little effect. Results are interpreted in light of recent research in moral psychology.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Farthing, Amanda M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rupp, Deborah E.

• Fairness Theory
• organizational justice

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Amanda M. Farthing

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/26214

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/26214