Impact of power conceptualization and construal-level mindset on distributive fairness

Authors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2015.43.8.1361–1370
Keywords:
power conceptualization, influence, responsibility, construal-level mindset, distributive fairness
Abstract

We investigated the influence of power conceptualization (influence/responsibility) on distributive fairness and the role of construal-level mindset in this cause–effect relationship. Participants in our study were 80 adults at a continental education school in China. The results showed that power that is conceptualized as responsibility represents a higher level of abstraction of construal and leads to a fairer distribution of resources than when it is conceptualized as influence. Moreover, we found that a construal-level mindset mediated the effects of power on distributive fairness. Theoretical and practical implications of the influence of power conceptualization and the role of construal-level mindset in power and fair behavior are discussed.

Author Biographies
  1. Na Wang, Zhejiang University and Hanshan Normal University
    School of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Education
  2. Yue-Liang Sun, Hanshan Normal University
    Department of Education
  3. Pei-Lin Li, Hanshan Normal University
    Department of Education
References
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Published
2015-06-09
Issue
Vol. 43 No. 8 (2015)
Section
Articles
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