Effects of Interactional Justice on Egocentric Bias in Resource Allocation Decisions

Abstract

Three studies demonstrated that interactional justice was able to attenuate the egocentric bias, i.e., the tendency to regard a larger share for oneself as fair. Study 1, an experimental study of negotiation, showed that fair interpersonal treatment led to a smaller egocentric bias, quicker settlements, and fewer stalemates. Study 2 replicated the major findings in a different, real-life context. To make up for a shortfall in funding, university students were more willing to accept a raise in tuition fee and less willing to cut the salary of their teachers if the interpersonal treatment received from them was more positive. Study 3, again an experimental study of negotiation, showed that, in support of fairness heuristic theory, when fair interpersonal treatment received could be attributed to an external cause, its attenuating effect on the egocentric bias disappeared. This Study also ruled out two alternative explanations for the observed fairness effects, i.e., better information exchange and positive interaction. Theoretical implications and directions for future research are discussed.