Yiu TWLaw YM2011-051/05/2011JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT-ASCE, 2011, 137 (5), pp. 322 - 3320733-9364https://hdl.handle.net/10179/16594This material may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the American Society of Civil Engineers. This material may be found at https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29CO.1943-7862.0000290This study builds on Adam's equity theory by examining the moderating effects of equity sensitivity (i.e., a person's perception of what is equitable or inequitable) on behavior-outcome relationships among negotiators in construction dispute negotiation. First, an equity sensitivity construct is developed. This construct reveals that most construction negotiators are entitleds, also known as takers, at the negotiation table. Moderated multiple regression (MMR) is used to test the moderating effects of equity sensitivity. The MMR models affirm that the nature of behavior-outcome relationships varies, depending on the perception of equity. An entitled construction negotiator is found to be a versatile moderator who fosters satisfactory negotiation outcomes. The models show that negotiators are able to predict inequitable responses and to take measures to forestall or deal with different inequitable situations. This study indicates the merit of further study of equity theory in the context of construction dispute negotiation. Future challenges in this area include the examination of the equity restoration responses of negotiators to create an equitable environment. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.322 - 332Construction dispute negotiationEquity sensitivityEquity theoryJournal article10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000290425112Massey_Dark0905 Civil Engineering1202 Building1504 Commercial Services