All of the following can be the referent referred to in equity theory EXCEPT ________.
A) another worker perceived as similar to oneself
B) oneself at the current point in time
C) one's expectations about what the job should require and provide
D) a group of workers perceived as similar to oneself

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Equity theory focuses on comparing one's own outcomes-inputs ratio to the outcomes-inputs ratio of a referent. The referent could be another worker perceived as similar to oneself (A), one's expectations about what the job should require and provide (C), or a group of workers perceived as similar to oneself (D). However, the referent cannot be oneself at the current point in time (B) as this is the very person whose outcomes-inputs ratio is being evaluated against the referent.

All of the Following Can Be the Referent Referred to in Equity