How Self-Conception May Lead to Inequality

Abstract

This research examined the influence of role (leader or follower) within a group on the use of the equality rule (dividing resources equally) in allocation decisions. Different positions in the organizational hierarchy may activate different role schemas on how individuals should behave. Role schemas for leaders communicate that they should act responsibly, but also that they deserve certain privileges relevant to the allocation situation. It was predicted that leaders would allocate more resources to themselves than to their followers. The results of three studies (two scenario studies and one experimental study) revealed that leaders violated the equality rule by allocating more than a fair share of resources to themselves. Results also showed that leaders used the equality rule more for identifiable decisions (high accountability) than for unidentifiable decisions (low accountability). Findings are discussed in terms of leadership and social decision theories. Practical implications are outlined.