Chapter 4 The Interplay between fairness and the experience of respect: Implications for group life

Abstract

Purpose – To present a new conceptual framework for understanding how perceptions of fairness shape the experience of respect in groups and its implications for individuals’ engagement in groups, their psychological well-being, and intergroup relations.

Design/methodology/approach – Research on fairness perceptions and respect emerge from different theoretical traditions including theories of justice, social identity theory, and social context and health. We review this body of work and present the dual pathway model of respect, developed to integrate the different lines of research into a single testable framework. Research testing the model's predictions is presented.

Findings – The dual pathway model posits that concerns about respect follow from the need for social inclusion and for status attainment. Fair treatment from group peers and authorities communicates the extent to which these needs are satisfied, and as such, perceptions of being liked (indicative of inclusion) and of being judged worthy (indicative of status attainment) independently and differentially predict social engagement and psychological well-being.

Originality/value – The dual pathway model provides a framework for integrating and extending existing research on the experience of respect in groups. The model highlights how the inclusion and status dimensions of respect differentially shape outcomes relevant to group functioning: social engagement and psychological well-being. Insights from the model address a broad array of challenges faced by organizations, including building commitment, managing diversity, and promoting health and well-being among its members.

Citation

Huo, Y.J., Binning, K.R. and Molina, L.E. (2010), "Chapter 4 The Interplay between fairness and the experience of respect: Implications for group life", Mannix, E.A., Neale, M.A. and Mullen, E. (Ed.) Fairness and Groups (Research on Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 13), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 95-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1534-0856(2010)0000013007