DIFFERENTIAL SUPERIOR-SUBORDINATE RELATIONS, PERCEPTIONS OF FAIRNESS,AND COWORKER COMMUNICATION

This study examines the complex relationships between differential sup erior-subordinate relations, fairness perceptions, and coworker commun ication. Data gathered from employees in a variety of organizations in dicate that differential treatment from a supervisor to his or her sub ordinates influences coworker communication by (a) leading coworkers t o talk about the differential treatment itself, and (b) influencing th e nature of the communication relationships among the coworkers. Data also provide insight into issues of perceived organizational fairness, indicating that fairness perceptions are often socially constructed b y work group members through discourse.