Title

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

Authors

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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