Subject：Lay Theories of Instrumental Relations: Explaining Individual Differences in Dispositional Similarity-Attraction

Guest：Jiyin Cao, Associate Professor, Stony Brook University

Host：Zhao Xiaoping, Associate Professor, Antai College of Economics & Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Time：Wednesday, Mar 9th, 2022, 14:00-15:30

Venue：Antai A303 

Abstract:

The growing diversity in today’s workplace requires engaging with people who not only look different but also think differently. Yet, research on workplace relations has treated similarity-attraction as a human universal and paid limited attention to individual differences in who respects or tolerates different views and values, and why. We address this gap by examining how lay theories people hold about instrumental relations affect dispositional similarity-attraction. Because people who hold a fixed (versus growth) theory of instrumental relations believe that relationships form primarily on the basis of natural compatibility (versus effort), they should be particularly prone to similarity-attraction on the basis of dispositional similarity in values, attitudes, and personality traits. To test our arguments, we first develop a Lay Theories of Instrumental Relations (LIR) scale, which we use to demonstrate that holding a growth theory decreases (moderates) people’s tendency to avoid dispositionally dissimilar partners in a network survey (Field Study) and a dyadic task (Experiment 1). Finally (Experiment 2), we manipulate lay theories to show that inducing growth theories increases people’s satisfaction with a task partner who is dispositionally dissimilar. We conclude by discussing theoretical and practical implications for building diverse yet cohesive workplaces.

Bio：

Jiyin Cao is an Associate Professor in the Management Area at Stony Brook University. She received her Ph.D. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Her research sits at the intersection of decision-making, social network, culture, and technology related psychology. Her work has appeared in leading academic journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Organizational Science, Psychological Science, Social Psychology and Personality Science, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.