Explanations for selection decisions: Applicants' reactions to informational and sensitivity features of explanations

The effects of explanation features on participants' reactions toward a sel ection decision were examined in 2 studies. In Study 1, students were provi ded with scenarios where informational (justification, procedural, personal , control) and sensitivity (sensitive or control) features of explanations were crossed with a selection decision to assess their effects on 3 applica nt reactions: process fairness, self-perceptions, and organizational percep tions. In general, personal information enhanced fairness and organizationa l perceptions but harmed the reported self-perceptions of students role-pla ying rejected applicants. Explanations given in a sensitive manner accentua ted these effects. Study 2 used a similar methodology to assess the effects of giving different types of procedural information. Self-reported reactio ns were influenced by the interactive effects of the type of procedural inf ormation provided and the selection decision.