Responding to Injustice: Perception, Anger, and Identification as Drivers of Collective Action

Abstract

This study examines how perceptions of injustice, anger, and group identification motivate follower intentions to engage in collective action against leaders. The study revolved around the Malaysian prime minister’s actions and responses toward allegations of misuse of public funds. Responses from 112 Malaysians via a cross-sectional survey revealed that follower perceptions of leader injustice are significantly related to anger toward the leader, which in turn is related to intentions to engage in collective action. The relationship between perceptions of distributive injustice and anger is moderated by group identification, while group efficacy moderates the relationship between anger and collective action intentions.

Citation

Tee, E.Y.J., Ramis, T., Fernandez, E.F. and Paulsen, N. (2017), "Responding to Injustice: Perception, Anger, and Identification as Drivers of Collective Action", Emotions and Identity (Research on Emotion in Organizations, Vol. 13), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 17-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1746-979120170000013004