The correct answer to the question is C) stress.
In the context of employee perceptions within a business environment, procedural justice refers to the fairness of the processes that lead to outcomes. When employees perceive that procedures and processes are fair, consistent, and unbiased, they tend to have a better perception of procedural justice.
Why is Stress Most Closely Aligned with Procedural Justice?
Fair Treatment : When employees perceive that they are treated fairly in terms of processes (e.g., decision-making, resource allocation), they are less likely to experience stress related to feelings of injustice or unfair treatment at work.
Decision-Making Process : Procedural justice focuses on how decisions are made. If the processes are transparent and employees feel they have a voice in decision-making, they often feel less stressed because they know what to expect and feel involved.
Consistency : When decisions are made consistently using established procedures, it reduces uncertainty. This consistency can decrease stress because employees don't worry about unexpected changes or unfair surprises.
Bias and Error-Free Processes : Well-designed processes that avoid biases and errors can reduce stress by ensuring that outcomes are predictable and aligned with employee expectations.
In summary, stress is most closely linked to procedural justice because fair and transparent processes can alleviate stress by reducing feelings of uncertainty and unpredictability in the workplace. Without fair processes, employees may experience stress due to perceptions of unfair treatment or inconsistent decision-making.