If people perceive they are being over-rewarded, they believe they are getting more ___ than ___.
A) expectancy; valence
B) inputs; outputs
C) instrumentality; expectancy
D) outputs; inputs
E) valence; instrumentality

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an application of the equity theory of motivation. According to this theory, people compare their inputs (effort, skills, education, etc.) and outputs (rewards, salary, recognition, etc.) to those of others to determine if they are being treated fairly. If people perceive they are being over-rewarded (getting more outputs than they deserve based on their inputs), they experience a sense of guilt or discomfort, and they may adjust their inputs or outputs to restore equity. Therefore, the answer is D because it reflects the comparison of perceived outputs to inputs.

If People Perceive They Are Being Over-Rewarded, They Believe They