فرایندهای مقایسه اجتماعی در زمینه سازمانی: جهت جدید

The goal of this article is to frame some new directions to social comparison research in organizational settings. Four themes are developed. First, we examine the role of organizational variables in shaping the basic sub processes in social comparison, such as the selection of referents. The second theme focuses on the meaning of level of analysis in social comparison processes. The third theme develops how time can enhance our understanding of social comparison. Lastly, we explore some methodological issues inherent in the three prior themes.

The goals of this paper are to build on some themes in this issue, particularly the three invited papers, and to frame directions for future research on social comparison processes in organizational settings. There has been a long, incremental stream of research since Festinger’s seminal paper (1954). Our focus will be to suggest some themes that provide newer research directions and opportunities, as this research continues to evolve. We selected four themes particularly relevant for understanding social comparison processes in organizations: - the role of organizational variables - the role of levels of analysis - time as a dimension in social comparison - methods in social comparison research We have selected meta-themes—ones that should transcend a particular problem or population. For example, Greenberg, Ashton-James, and Ashkanasy (2007) explore new problem areas, such as leadership and stress, where social comparison can be applied. This is a useful way to identify new research directions. Alternatively, one could identify underrepresented populations (e.g., blue-collar or service workers) to focus new research on social comparisons. We identify research areas that cut across problems, populations, or for that matter, disciplinary orientations. A number of factors motivated us to select these themes. First, we think they are important topics in understanding social comparison processes. Second, they are underrepresented in the body of this research. Some have been selectively addressed by papers in this Special Issue, while others have not. Third, there are many well-rehearsed topics in the social comparison literature, such as the selection of upward or downward comparisons (Buunk & Gibbons, 2007) or “Better-than-Average Effects” (e.g., Moore, 2007). As we look toward the next 10 years of research, we expect work will continue in these two example areas but, at the same time, we see the need to diversify the range of topics and to focus on new theoretical approaches in order to gain a better understanding of social comparison processes. This paper is organized by four themes. We begin with the rationale and basic argument for exploring a theme. Then we present some definitions, selectively discuss some relevant studies, and explore some directions for future research. In this last point, future research, our intention is to relate the theme to some basic social comparison questions, rather than providing a laundry list of research topics.