Chapter 12 - It's Not Just What You Feel: Expressing Emotional Responses to the Injustice of Others

Abstract

Emotion management suggests that individuals follow rules about how they should feel in a situation, but other expectations associated with a situation may modify how they feel or the extent to which they express their true feelings. Although many studies address emotional reactions to injustice, few analyze how observers respond emotionally to the injustices suffered by others. This chapter examines the influence of procedural justice, interpersonal ties, and legitimacy of the group decision-maker on observers' emotional experiences and expressions. Hypotheses suggest that procedurally fair treatment attenuates negative emotional reactions and may enhance satisfaction. Interpersonal ties and legitimacy are likely to impact emotional responses when procedures are unfair. 173 student study volunteers read a vignette describing a distributively unjust situation in a volunteer organization and answered a series of questions. Analyses confirm most hypotheses pertaining to procedural justice and, to some extent, those regarding legitimacy. Observers' emotional experiences and expressions are most intense when a legitimate decision-maker uses unfair procedures. Procedural justice effects are strongest under conditions of high legitimacy. Discussion focuses on the implications of emotional responses for ensuring justice for others in both volunteer and paid organizational situations.