Question
Which one of the following appropriately represents the “equity” theory of work motivation ?
The correct answer is
Output of A / Input of A = Output of B / Input of B
Equity Theory Work Motivation Formula
Equity theory explains work motivation based on fairness. Employees compare their own 'input-to-output' ratio with that of a 'referent other' to gauge fairness.
The Equity Equation
For fairness (equity) to exist, an individual (A) perceives their ratio of outcomes to inputs as equal to the ratio of a referent other (B).
The core mathematical representation is:
$ \frac{\text{Output}_A}{\text{Input}_A} = \frac{\text{Output}_B}{\text{Input}_B} $
Here:
- Output represents benefits received (e.g., pay, recognition).
- Input represents contributions made (e.g., effort, skills, time).
Analyzing the Options
- Comparing only inputs (Input A = Input B) or only outputs (Output A = Output B) is incomplete as it ignores the other component.
- Equating personal input to personal output (Input A = Output A) does not involve the necessary social comparison element.
- The correct representation involves comparing the *ratios* of outputs to inputs between the individual and a referent other.
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Important Questions from Motivation
- Match List I with List Il related to content Theories of Motivation
List I (Exponent) List II (Theory) (a) Abraham Maslow (i) Two-factor Theory (b) Herzberg (ii) Achievement Theory (c) Aldufer (iii) Need Hierarchy Theory (d) Mcclelland (iv) ERG Theory - Mechanistic view of motivation can be characterised as :
(a) S-O-R explanation.
(b) Direction of behaviour is determined by bonds between stimulus and response or habits.
(c) Probability of elicitation of various habits depend upon prior reinforcement contingencies.
(d) Behaviour once elicited persists until the removal of sustaining stimuli. - Which of the following sequence is correct in case of steps in a goal-setting program for students ?
- According to self-determination theory ______ and _____ form the basis for intrinsic motivation.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by choosing from the codes given below :
List – I
(Concept)List – II
(Explanation)a. Fixed Action Pattern i. When two incompatible response tendencies are simultaneously aroused, the organisms may display behaviours that appear to be irrelevant to the situation. b. Displacement Activity ii. Highly stereotyped responses that are assumed to be genetically programmed reactions that occur in the presence of a particular ‘sign’ stimulus. c. Hedonic Bias iii. A state in which a person performs an action because the act itself is satisfying or rewarding internally. d. Intrinsic motivation iv. Tendency to take more credit for success than to take responsibility for failure.
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