Jim is a salaried employee whose job is to develop content for online web sites. He discovers that he is paid substantially more than his colleagues, even though their jobs and levels of performance are very similar. According to the equity theory, what impact is this discovery most likely to have on his behavior and performance?
A) He will reduce the amount of work that he does on a daily basis.
B) He will compare his earnings to those of another group of employees.
C) He will increase his productivity and/or the overall quality of his work.
D) He will seek a position within the company commensurate with his pay.
E) He will begin to look for a position outside of the company.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the equity theory, individuals compare their inputs (e.g. effort, skills, experience) to their outcomes (e.g. pay, benefits, recognition) with those of others in their workplace. If they perceive that their inputs and outcomes are unequal to those of their colleagues, they may experience tension or dissatisfaction. However, they can attempt to restore balance by adjusting their inputs (e.g. reducing effort) or outcomes (e.g. seeking a raise or promotion), or by distorting their perceptions of others' inputs or outcomes. In Jim's case, the most likely response to his discovery of inequity would be to increase his productivity and/or quality of work, in order to justify his higher pay and bring his inputs and outcomes into alignment.

Jim Is a Salaried Employee Whose Job Is to Develop