The Effect of Other-Oriented Values on Decision Making: A Test of Propositions of a Theory of Concern for Others in Organizations

Abstract

Based on recent theoretical work by Simon (1990, 1993), we proposed that the value of concern for others would reflect a general process whereby individuals place less value on personal outcomes and are less disposed to engage in rational calculations involving costs and benefits. We conducted two studies to examine whether these mechanisms generalize to situations that do not involve helping others. In the first study, persons high in concern for others were less attracted to choices involving the prospect of personal gain and were less discerning about the value and risk involved in making choices than were individuals low in concern for others. The second study showed that positive affective arousal, which is likely to focus attention on personal concerns, moderated the effects observed in the first study. Results suggest that other-oriented values such as concern for others may have a substantial impact on a wide range of organizational processes beyond helping.