What does procedural justice assess?

Procedural justice specifically evaluates the fairness of the processes and methods used to make decisions, particularly those that lead to the distribution of rewards or outcomes. This concept emphasizes that how decisions are made is just as important as the outcomes themselves.

In organizations, procedural justice suggests that employees are more likely to be satisfied and committed when they perceive that the processes used to allocate resources, rewards, or other important decisions are fair, transparent, and consistent. This includes factors such as the opportunity for input, consistency in procedures, and the application of rules without bias.

While fairness in reward distribution, the treatment of employees, and the outcomes received are critical components of overall organizational justice, they fall under the broader categories of distributive justice and interpersonal justice. Procedural justice zeroes in on the methods and procedures, reinforcing the idea that equitable treatment during the decision-making processes fosters trust and organizational loyalty.