Moderating Effect of Equity Sensitivity on Behavior-Outcome Relationships in Construction Dispute Negotiation
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137, Issue 5
Abstract
This study builds on Adam’s equity theory by examining the moderating effects of equity sensitivity (i.e., a person’s perception of what is equitable or inequitable) on behavior-outcome relationships among negotiators in construction dispute negotiation. First, an equity sensitivity construct is developed. This construct reveals that most construction negotiators are entitleds, also known as “takers,” at the negotiation table. Moderated multiple regression (MMR) is used to test the moderating effects of equity sensitivity. The MMR models affirm that the nature of behavior-outcome relationships varies, depending on the perception of equity. An entitled construction negotiator is found to be a versatile moderator who fosters satisfactory negotiation outcomes. The models show that negotiators are able to predict inequitable responses and to take measures to forestall or deal with different inequitable situations. This study indicates the merit of further study of equity theory in the context of construction dispute negotiation. Future challenges in this area include the examination of the equity restoration responses of negotiators to create an equitable environment.
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Acknowledgments
The work described in this paper was fully supported by a grant from City University of Hong Kong (Project No. UNSPECIFIED7002301). The writers appreciate the constructive comments of the reviewers.
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Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137 • Issue 5 • May 2011
Pages: 322 - 332
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 23, 2009
Accepted: Sep 8, 2010
Published online: Apr 15, 2011
Published in print: May 1, 2011
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