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The Norm of Reciprocity: Scale Development and Validation in the Chinese Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Joshua B. Wu ,
Peter W. Hom ,
Lois E. Tetrick ,
Lynn M. Shore ,
Liangding Jia ,
Chaoping Li  and
Lynda Jiwen Song
Translated by
吴滨 ,
贾良定 ,
李超平  and
宋继文
Joshua B. Wu
Affiliation:
University of Miami, USA
Peter W. Hom
Affiliation:
Arizona State University, USA
Lois E. Tetrick
Affiliation:
George Mason University, USA
Lynn M. Shore
Affiliation:
San Diego State University, USA
Liangding Jia
Affiliation:
Nanjing University, China
Chaoping Li
Affiliation:
Renmin University of China, China
Lynda Jiwen Song
Affiliation:
Renmin University of China, China
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Abstract

To add greater theoretical precision to a fundamental construct in social exchange theory - namely, Gouldner's ‘norm of reciprocity’, this study developed a measure of Sahlins' generalized, balanced, and negative reciprocity types and validated its psychometric quality in China. For a comprehensive construct validation of the new scale, we carried out three studies. After generating a pool of items, we used a panel of experts to classify items according to conceptual definitions of the three reciprocity types. Using factor analysis, the first study revealed a factor structure consistent with Sahlins' reciprocity typology. In the second study, confirmatory factor analysis replicated this factor structure as well as demonstrated that the reciprocity factors are distinct from each other and other social-exchange constructs. In line with extant theories, the third study corroborated a nomological network relating reciprocity types to external constructs. Given this broad array of evidence for its construct validity, future researchers can employ this validated scale to investigate various forms of social exchange in Chinese work settings.

Keywords

reciprocityscale developmentscale validationChina互惠量表编制量表检验中国
Type
Articles
Information
Management and Organization Review , Volume 2 , Issue 3 , November 2006 , pp. 377 - 402
Copyright
Copyright © International Association for Chinese Management Research 2006

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