Justice Motive Theory and the Study of Justice in Work Organizations: A Conceptual Integration

Abstract

Abstract. Stimulated by the articles in this special issue, we integrate justice motive theory into the study of organizational justice more broadly. We begin by considering a variety of ways that just-world beliefs could relate to perceptions of organizational fairness. Then, we discuss several implications that arise from incorporating the concept of deservingness (central to justice motive theory) more explicitly into the study of organizational justice. Next, we consider, from a justice motive perspective, how organizational fairness might have adverse effects on employees and organizations. Finally, we outline what justice motive theory implies for understanding how employees might react to experiences of organizational unfairness. Along the way, we identify novel directions for research on organizational justice that are suggested by the articles in the special issue and by justice motive theory in general.