Fair? I Don't Care: Examining the Moderating Effect of Workplace Cynicism on the Relationship Between Interactional Fairness and Perceptions of Organizational Support From a Social Exchange Perspective. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Collins, Brian J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of leadership & organizational studies. Volume 24:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 401
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: interactional fairness -- workplace cynicism -- perceptions of organizational support -- social exchange theory; Leadership -- Periodicals; Management -- Periodicals; Organization -- Periodicals; 658.4092
• DOI: 10.1177/1548051816667896
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1548-0518

Abstract

This article examines how workplace cynicism moderates the relationship between interactional fairness and perceptions of organizational support (POS). Using a sample of full-time employees, I found a positive, direct effect between interactional fairness and POS. Furthermore, the moderating effect suggests the relation between interactional fairness and POS was stronger for less cynical employees. Incorporating a social exchange framework, this article discusses how the typically positive effect of interactional fairness is lost on cynical employees. This result was confirmed using a controlled scenario-based protocol, which replicated the results of the field study. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.