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Journal of Business Ethics
Published in: Journal of Business Ethics 1/2019

20-01-2017 | Original Paper

Idiosyncratic Deals from a Distributive Justice Perspective: Examining Co-workers’ Voice Behavior

Authors: Elise Marescaux, Sophie De Winne, Luc Sels

Published in: Journal of Business Ethics | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

This study focuses on a third-party perspective of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals). More specifically, we look into the differential judgments co-workers make about i-deals in their work environment, as well as their reactions. Based on equity theory, we examine to what extent the content of the i-deal and the work context (i.e., the functional dependence between co-worker and i-dealer) explain co-worker judgments regarding i-deal fairness in addition to subsequent voice behavior (i.e., complaining and/or requesting compensation). A vignette study with 1988 respondents shows that when i-deals are considered distributively unfair, co-workers try to restore equity through voice behavior, thereby making the i-deal less effective. Furthermore, i-deals spark more distributive injustice perceptions and voice behavior in a highly interdependent work context. Finally, on average, financial bonuses were considered most distributively unfair and, thus, trigger more voice behavior. These results have important implications for i-deal literature as they uncover the criteria that co-workers use to judge i-deals and shape their reactions.
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Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
More simple analyses, such as anova tests and regression analyses, led to the same conclusions as the structural equation analyses and are available upon request.
 
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Metadata
Title
Idiosyncratic Deals from a Distributive Justice Perspective: Examining Co-workers’ Voice Behavior
Authors
Elise Marescaux
Sophie De Winne
Luc Sels
Publication date
20-01-2017
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Journal of Business Ethics / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0167-4544
Electronic ISSN: 1573-0697
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-016-3400-7

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