Equity sensitivity and business ethics

The concept of equity sensitivity suggests profound differences in individu al notions of fairness, and distinguishes between 'benevolents' (givers) an d 'entitleds' (takers). This study extended existing research by exploring the connections between equity sensitivity and business ethics variables. I t unfolded in three phases and utilized samples of employed North American respondents. Entitleds tended to respond in less conventionally ethical way s than benevolents; for example, by being more Machiavellian. A proposed mo del depicting the relationships among the variables provided a good tit to the data in the first of these samples, and some of the findings were repli cated in the second sample. A portrait of benevolence began to emerge that contradicted earlier conceptualizations. Benevolents seemed to hold dispara ging views of others who lack strong work ethics, and to regard ethically d ubious behaviours in which the employing organization could benefit as rela tively acceptable. In a third sample, benevolence was surprisingly associat ed with right-wing authoritarianism. Implications for the conceptualization and etiology of benevolence were derived, and the assumption of homogeneit y in concepts of what is fair and equitable was further challenged by the r esults.