Social identity and equity concerns in intergroup perceptions

Intergroup perceptions of two groups of nurses in the Netherlands were investigated. The purpose of the study was to test the validity of two partly competing interpretations of intergroup perceptions, i.e. a straightforward application of social identity theory (SIT) and what we called the ‘strategic responses’ approach. The latter approach suggests that descriptions and evaluations of in‐group and out‐group characteristics are given from a strategic negotiation perspective, in which in‐group inputs are relatively accentuated while positive in‐group outcomes are de‐emphasized. With regard to outcomes (rewards and costs) the strategic responses predictions are opposite to those derived from SIT. From the results of the study it appears that predictions pertaining to descriptions and evaluations of input characteristics (practical skills, theoretical insight, interpersonal relations), which can be similarly derived from both approaches, were clearly supported. With regard to outcome characteristics, where the two approaches lead to opposite predictions, each approach turns out to have its own domain of validity. For instance, SIT explains intergroup perceptions of intrinsic rewards, while the strategic responses approach explains perceptions of career prospects and, to some extent, costs (like strain and stress, irregular working hours). In the Discussion it is suggested that SIT may be valid for outcomes which are inherently characteristic of the groups, whereas the strategic responses interpretation applies especially to outcomes which appear to be changeable and which are, therefore, subject to negotiation.