Park, Tae-Youn2012-08-222012-08-222012-06https://hdl.handle.net/11299/131914University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertatation. June 2012. Major: Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Advisor:Tae-Youn Park. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 96 pages; appendices 1-5.Theorists have proposed two seemingly contradictory ways to allocate pay among interdependently working individuals--equity-based and equality-based pay--a problem called theoretical dilemma. This study diverges from the dominant view of the level of interdependence consideration and suggests a novel factor, group goal, as a determinant of fair pay allocation decisions. By evoking regulatory focus theory, I propose that individuals pursuing gain-oriented group goals prefer to differentiate pay among group members more than individuals pursuing nonloss-oriented group goals, because of different levels of cooperation and independent/interdependent self perceptions. Moreover, I propose that the theorized processes are strengthened when task complexity is high. The results from two laboratory experiments show general support of the theorized relationships.en-USGroup goalPay allocationRegulatory focus theorySelf perceptionHuman Resources and Industrial RelationsThesis or Dissertation