According to equity theory, there will be no change in employees' attitudes or behavior when which of the following is true?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To analyze this question, we need to apply equity theory, which suggests that employees assess the fairness of their input–output ratio relative to others. When they perceive this ratio as equal to others, attitudes and behaviors tend to remain stable.

Option 1: 'Employees' pay is in excess of established norms.' If employees feel they are over-rewarded relative to peers, they may experience positive inequity or try to restore balance by changing perceptions or behaviors, not simply maintain status quo. Therefore this option would likely prompt adjustments rather than no change.

Option 2: 'Employees are shown respect from management.' While respectful treatment can influence morale and engagement, equity theory specifically centers on fairness of outcomes relative to inputs, not merely on being treated respectfully. This scenario could affect attitudes, but it does not guarantee no change according to equity calculations.

Option 3: 'Employees perceive their work situation as equitable.' This exactly aligns with the core proposition of equity theory: when individuals perceive fairness in the input–output balance, there is little motivation to alter attitudes or behavior, resulting in minimal or no change. This option describes the stable state predicted by the theory.

Option 4: 'The company's CEO makes less than ten times the lowest paid worker.' While extreme pay disparities can influence perceptions of fairness, equity theory emphasizes perceived equity rather than absolute pay hierarchies. Such a scenario could provoke reactions or changes if perceived unfair, so it does not guarantee no change.

Overall, the statement that matches the theory’s condition for no change is the one where employees perceive their work situation as equitable, because perceived fairness reduces motivation to adjust attitudes or behavior.

According to equity theory, there will be no change in employees' attitudes or behavior when which of the following is true?

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