Brian and Hamid are both copywriters who work in the creative team of an advertising agency. Both of them have worked on the same projects many times over the years. However, Brian always feels that his boss prefers Hamid's ideas to his for seemingly no apparent reason. One time, his boss even credited Hamid for an idea that Brian himself had given. In terms of equity theory, Brian would perceive Hamid as a(n) _____.
A)valence bearer
B)instrumental participant
C)referent
D)mentor
E)reinforcer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to equity theory, individuals compare their own input-output ratio to that of a referent, which is someone with whom they perceive themselves as being similar. In this case, Brian perceives Hamid as a referent and is comparing his outcomes to Hamid's outcomes, leading to feelings of inequity.

Brian and Hamid Are Both Copywriters Who Work in the Creative