Reward Perception, But Not Reward Inequality Is Associated With Increased Dishonesty

Abstract: The present experiment explores the link between perceived unfairness of low rewards for work and propensity for dishonest actions. Participants engaged in a sorting task where they had the opportunity to break rules to increase their rewards while harming a third party. While manipulation of reward unfairness did not significantly increase dishonesty, dissatisfaction with absolute reward levels and the emphasis on proportionality as a moral foundation predicted unethical behavior. These findings have significant implications for understanding the psychological underpinnings of dishonesty and fairness perceptions.