Understanding why the justice of group procedures matters: A test of the psychological dynamics of the group-value model

Procedural justice research has documented many positive consequences of fair decision-making procedures and treatment by authorities. However, it is unclear why these effects of procedural justice occur. The group-value model proposes that fair procedures matter because they communicate two symbolic messages about group membership: (a) whether individuals are respected members of a group and (b) whether they should feel pride in the group as a whole. These messages are conveyed by 3 relational aspects of the actions of authorities-actions that indicate neutrality, trustworthiness, and status recognition. Results from 4 different studies provide evidence that: (a) relational aspects of fair procedures communicate group-relevant information, and (b) this information mediates the influence of procedural judgments on group-oriented behaviors and feelings of self-esteem.