According to the video Equity and Expectancy theories are similar because

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To evaluate the similarity between Equity Theory and Expectancy Theory, we need to compare what each theory emphasizes about worker motivation and cognition.
Option a: 'They both focus on what workers think, instead of what has happened' — This is a plausible commonality because both theories center on cognitive processes: Equity Theory looks at perceived fairness and social comparisons (how workers think they are treated relative to others), while Expectancy Theory assesses beliefs about the likelihood that effort will lead to performance (expectancy), that performance will lead to outcomes (instrumentality), and that those outcomes are valuable (valence). In both cases, the motivational force derives from perception and belief rather than objective events alone. Therefore, this option captures a shared focus on mental appraisals rather than merely historical occurrences.
Option b: 'They both focus on motivation of workers by meeting their needs' — This statement leans toward a needs-based framework (like Maslow or Alderfer) and not specifically about Equity or Expectancy. Equity emphasizes fairness perceptions, not necessarily meeting needs, and Expectancy emphasizes cognitive expectancies and valuations, not a direct need-satisfaction mechanism. Thus, this option misrepresents the core emphasis of both theories.
Option c: 'They both focus on what workers want, instead of what they need' — This is not accurate for both theories. Equity is centered on fairness of outcomes relative to inputs and social comparison, not simply on wants; Expectancy centers on valuations of outcomes tied to effort, not a general dichotomy of wants versus needs. The claim oversimplifies and mischaracterizes the theoretical focus.
Option d: 'They both focus on turning lazy workers into productive workers' — This is a misleading generalization. Neither theory exclusively targets lazy workers or moralizing productivity. Equity deals with fair treatment perceptions; Expectancy deals with motivational beliefs about effort-performance-outcome linkages. Labeling them as a program to 'turn lazy workers into productive workers' introduces a normative intent that the theories do not explicitly prescribe.
In summary, option a accurately highlights the shared cognitive orientation of both theories, while options b, c, and d misstate or overgeneralize the core ideas, failing to reflect the central emphasis on beliefs, perceptions, and cognitive processes that drive motivation in Equity and Expectancy theories.

According to the video Equity and Expectancy theories are similar because

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