Megan graduated from college three years ago and has been working at Sterba Inc. ever since. A conscientious employee, she has consistently received good performance evaluations. She recently found out that a younger colleague, who was just recruited to her team, is drawing a higher salary than she is for doing the same type of work.
-Following this discovery, Megan starts coming to work late and her productivity begins to suffer. Which of the following is most similar to the scenario mentioned above based on the equity theory?
A) Dawn starts coming to work early and stays late once she learns that the mid-term review is around the corner.
B) Greg believes he works harder than any of the other members in his department as they often leave the office before him.
C) Lisa starts working longer hours after learning that her co-workers earn less than she does for the same work.
D) Myrtle produces a higher number of units to compensate for the lower quality of her output.
E) Beth submits her resignation after she was passed over for promotion for the second time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on equity theory, employees who perceive inequity can change their inputs, i.e., exert less effort if they are underpaid, or exert more effort if they are overpaid. In the scenario, Megan is underpaid compared to her younger colleague and hence changes her inputs by slacking off at work. This situation is best mirrored by Lisa, who works longer hours (changes inputs) after realizing that she is overpaid compared to her colleagues. Dawn's behavior does not relate to the concept of equity. Greg's behavior represents a distorted perception of self. In Myrtle's situation, she is attempting to change outcomes and not her inputs. Beth chooses to deal with the perceived inequity by leaving the field.

Megan Graduated from College Three Years Ago and Has Been