Showing papers by "Jerald Greenberg published in 1982"

Approaching Equity and Avoiding Inequity in Groups and Organizations

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relations between distributive justice and status congruence. The equity theory predicts that, relative to equitably paid persons, persons who are overpaid will raise their performance, and that persons who are underpaid will lower their performance. This action is taken as a behavioral attempt to adjust performance so as to bring the ratio of one's rewards to performance into line with the ratios of others. However, an ostensibly contradictory finding has been obtained by researchers studying the phenomena of insufficient and over-sufficient justification. The equity theory allows that persons may cognitively distort their liking for a task to justify performing it under conditions in which alternative justification is lacking. Deci has also postulated that the type of response to inequity that will be observed depends upon individuals' beliefs about the extent to which they have a choice over, and responsibility for, their behavior. Citing the results of forced-compliance research, Deci argues that individuals have a greater need to justify their behavior if they feel personally responsible for having engaged in it.

The Justice Concept in Social Psychology

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the major theoretical conceptions of justice in social psychology. It discusses the early work in social psychology, specifically the statements by George Homans, Blau, and J. Stacy Adams, which shaped much of the work that followed. It also discusses the theoretical statements derived from the research activity of the 1960s and the 1970s. The chapter presents a set of issues that are considered to be most important in underlying past work and in establishing the outlines of an agenda for the future. Philosophers writing on justice have addressed two different kinds of issues. The first involves the definition of the concept of justice and what it could be argued to entail. The second issue involves attempts to establish material principles of justice, specifications of the conditions that must be met if justice is to exist. The chapter discusses several classical and contemporary philosophical statements on justice.

Why Justice? Normative and Instrumental Interpretations

Abstract: Publisher Summary The two factors—intimacy and interdependence—can be combined to reflect one dimension of potential conflict over resources. Various social relationships can be located along this dimension, and specific normative standards appear to be associated with each. When intimacy is low and interdependence is low, conflict over resources may be highest. Strangers fall into this category, and can be expected to follow the practice of selfishly satisfying their own desires. Conflict is lower when intimacy is low and interdependence is high, as is the case among bargainers. Persons in this type of relationship tend to prefer whatever justice norm is most advantageous to them. Among friends, intimacy is high and interdependence is relatively low. The degree of conflict over resources is lower, and the equality norm prevails. When intimacy and interdependence are both high, conflict is lowest. Ideally, such is the case among married persons who, therefore, adhere to the norm of satisfying their mutual needs.