The importance of contextual variables when judging fairness: An examination of counterfactual thoughts and fairness theory |
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| Authors: | Jessica M Nicklin Rebecca Greenbaum Laurel A McNall Robert Folger Kevin J Williams |
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| Institution: | a University of Hartford, Department of Psychology, East Hall 203E, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117, United States;b Oklahoma State University, Department of Management, Spears School of Business, 318 Business Building, Stillwater, OK 72078, United States;c The College of Brockport, SUNY, Department of Psychology, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420, United States;d University of Central Florida, Department of Management, College of Business Administration, P.O. Box 161400, Orlando, FL 32816, United States;e University at Albany, SUNY, Department of Psychology, SS 399, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States |
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| Abstract: | This research empirically examines the underlying mechanisms of fairness theory ( and ), namely counterfactual thought processes. Study 1 used a policy-capturing design to examine the relative importance of contextual variables in predicting counterfactual thoughts and fairness perceptions. Study 2 utilized a between-subjects design and asked participants to generate their own counterfactuals in response to an unfortunate event. Results of both studies showed that fairness perceptions are influenced by contextual variables (i.e., outcome severity, target knowledge and expertise, sin of commission vs. omission) and counterfactual thinking. Counterfactual thoughts partially mediated the effects of contextual variables and fairness perceptions in Study 1. Exploratory analyses from Study 3 revealed that the measurement of counterfactual thoughts (frequency vs. strength) may capture different underlying constructs. Implications are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Organizational justice Fairness perceptions Counterfactual thinking |
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