Personality and Perceived Justice as Predictors of the Decision to Litigate
Author(s): Ashley Sturm, Lynn K. Bartels
Abstract: Employers may face costly and time-consuming litigation as a result of hiring and promotional procedures and decisions. This study examined the situational factors (perceived justice) and personality factors (extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism as well as negative and positive affectivity) that are associated with applicant’s intent to litigate. Participants read high/low justice scenarios and rated their intent to litigate. Results indicated that intent to litigate is affected by perceived justice and also positive affectivity (when race is controlled). Organizations should monitor their hiring and promotional practices to ensure that applicants perceive them as fair. African-American applicants with low positive affectivity are more likely to litigate.
Keywords: Perceived justice; Applicant reactions; Intent to litigate; Hiring practices; Personality traits; Positive affectivity; Organizational fairness; Workplace litigation
Article: e17003
Download Full Article: Click here