Constructing perceptions of differential treatment: An analysis of coworker discourse

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Abstract
Recent studies indicate that members' perceptions of differential treatment influence their communication with coworkers. This study examined the ways in which coworkers socially construct perceptions of differential treatment through discourse. Results indicated that coworker conversations regarding differential treatment serve two primary functions: (1) they create perceptions of differential treatment, and (2) they reinforce preexisting perceptions of differential treatment. Members tend to emphasize the subordinate's role in the incident over the supervisor's and rely heavily on equity standards in evaluating incidents of differential treatment. Contributions to the sense‐making literature and organizational control literature are noted.