An Empirical Study of Individual Predispositions to prefer Equity, Equality, or Need

It is well established that different allocation norms can be used to judge the fairness of distributions, notably equity, equality and need (e.g., Deutsch, 1975; Leventhal, 1976; Sampson, 1975). The preference for one rule over another is known to be partially determined by context. However, in this study we examine whether preferences for specific norms 1) vary significantly among individuals in the work context, and 2) moderate justice effects. In order to do so, we introduce a new instrument to measure individual tendencies among the justice norms: equity of input, equity of output, equality, need, and the status/hierarchy norm. Using a sample of 230 international participants, we address several questions in Study 1. First, do the different norms load on different factors as expected, and what is the correlation between different type of norms? Second, can different types of norm choice measures (statement items versus vignettes) be used interchangeably? Third, do people express different types of norm preference in vignettes that regard the distribution of different types of resources (monetary, time and attention, information and responsibility)? In Study 2, using a sample of 500 practitioners, we refined and validated our instrument to measure individual predispositions to prefer specific types of justice norms. Results of Study 2 provide further support for the idea that people use different norms in different situations, and that justice norms can be an important moderator of effects of injustice