In this study, interviewees in the training group were instructed to use mental imagery techniques in a simulated employment interview. Results indicated that the subjects who used mental imagery had higher performance in the interview and lower perceived stress than the subjects who did not use mental imagery. Mental imagery did not have a significant effect upon perceptions of self-efficacy. Mental imagery ability had a positive effect on perceived usefulness of mental imagery while controllability and vividness did not. Subjects did indicate positive perceptions of the mental imagery intervention and a willingness to use mental imagery again in the future. The personality variable, "conscientiousness", had a significant effect in the mental imagery performance relationship.

A comparison of distributive justice strategies was made between a collectivistic culture, i.e., Mexico, and an individualistic culture, i.e., the United States. This study is the first to include the effect of ingroup/outgroup on the distribution strategies as Fischer and Smith (2003) called for in their extensive meta‐analysis of the topic. Distributive justice was operationalized as the monetary rewards given by Northern Mexicans and Americans in sixteen different allocation vignettes. The results showed that the two groups were significantly different in only one of the allocation vignettes. These results indicate a convergence between the cultures of the northern maquiladora region of Mexico and of the United States. Northern Mexicans and Americans were not significantly different in their distributive justice strategies.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to strengthen the theoretical foundation of the distributive justice literature by isolating and exploring the major independent variables (individualism/ collectivism; subordinate group membership; and subordinate performance variations) identified from previous studies. Their individual and cumulative influence on supervisory allocation behaviour is the foundation of this paper. Design/methodology/approach -A conceptual exploration of past studies reveals the variables that impact the allocation choice of supervisors. Utilizing these factors, a theoretically based model that explores the direct and interactive influences of these independent variables on allocation behaviour, as well as the subsequent impact of the allocation behaviour on future supervisorssubordinate social exchanges are developed. Findings -A cogent, theoretical framework is delineated for a well-established research stream (distributive justice) that severely needs one. Propositions are also derived to direct future empirical inquiry. In sum, the allocation model succeeds in consolidating the plethora of fragmented studies that currently dot the distributive justice literary landscape. Practical implications -This paper synthesizes past allocation studies while developing a theoretically based model which illustrate the interaction of the major independent variables. Practically, it also shows that managers cannot ignore cultural factors when compensating employees. Originality/value -This paper provides a theoretical framework for past studies while laying the groundwork for future empirical inquiries on supervisory allocation choices.