When social accounts backfire: The exacerbating effects of a polite message or an apology on reactions to an unfair outcome

    Authors

    D. P. Skarlicki; R. Folger;J. Gee

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Appl. Soc. Psychol.

    Keywords

    ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT; JUSTICE; FAIRNESS; ATTRIBUTIONS; INFORMATION; PUNISHMENT; AGGRESSION; BEHAVIOR; OFFERS; Psychology, Social

    Abstract

    We examined the effects of ex ante polite or apologetic messages on an individual's responses to a low (unfair) outcome offered in an ultimatum (take-it-or-leave-it) situation. Results show that these 2 messages (a) increased, rather than decreased, participants' perceptions of unfairness; and (b) decreased, rather than increased, their acceptance of the outcome. Moreover, participants engaged in more punishing behaviors when the outcome was accompanied by either of the messages than when no account was provided. Further analysis revealed that perceived manipulative intent mediated participants' reactions to the polite message and to the apology. These results indicate that if a message seems insincere and manipulative, it can exacerbate an individual's negative reactions to an unfair outcome accompanying the message.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Applied Social Psychology

    Volume

    34

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2004

    Document Type

    Article; Proceedings Paper

    Language

    English

    First Page

    322

    Last Page

    341

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000188953100005

    ISSN

    0021-9029

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