Maria and Devin are both data-entry clerks in the same department of a company. On the anniversary of her employment, Maria receives a 2 percent increase in salary. Later that day, while talking to Devin, she learns that on his anniversary, his pay increase was 4 percent. How could the company's supervisor and human resource department best ensure that Maria will perceive outcome fairness in this situation?
A) by reducing Devin's raise, so everyone gets the same amount
B) by demonstrating that raises of different sizes are associated with differences in performance
C) by increasing Maria's raise, so everyone gets the same amount
D) by reserving the largest raises for the most serious offenses
E) by treating Maria with dignity and respect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best way for the company's supervisor and human resource department to ensure that Maria perceives outcome fairness is by demonstrating that raises of different sizes are associated with differences in performance. This approach would help Maria understand that Devin may have received a higher percentage increase because he may have performed better than her or had other accomplishments that warranted a higher raise. This would prevent Maria from perceiving any unfairness in the situation and promote a positive perception of the company's compensation practices. Options A, C, and D do not address the issue of fairness, and option E is too vague to be a specific strategy for ensuring outcome fairness.

Maria and Devin Are Both Data-Entry Clerks in the Same