The social effects of punishment events: the influence of violator past performance record and severity of the punishment on observers' justice perceptions and attitudes

This study examined how the perceptions and attitudes of third party observers of punishment events are influenced by characteristics of the violator and the punishment event itself. Using a scenario methodology, we manipulated the past performance record of the violator and the severity of the consequences administered by the supervisor. Subjects read the scenarios from the point of view of a coworker/observer, and responded to questions measuring their perceptions of retributive justice and fairness of the punishment, as well as their desire for more punishment, their attitudes toward the supervisor, and their intention to leave the organization. Results showed that observers judged violators with poor performance records as more deserving of punishment than those with good records, and judged events as more fair when the manager's response was severe. Interactions between these two factors were also found to be significant. Implications of these findings are discussed. (C) 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.