Loralie feels guilty. She spends much of her day goofing around and never gets caught, but if Lillianne, who works at the next desk, replies to her or says anything, the boss seems to magically show up, and Lillianne gets reprimanded for wasting time. Which of the following would be the most productive way for Loralie to get rid of her guilt?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One possibility is that your ratio of outcomes to inputs is greater than your comparison other's ratio. Equity distress again gets experienced, and the tension likely creates negative emotions such as guilt or anxiety. Balance could be restored by shrinking your outcomes (taking less money, giving something back to the comparison other), but the theory acknowledges that such actions are unlikely in most cases. Instead, the more likely solution is to increase your inputs in some way. You could increase the intensity and persistence of your task effort or decide to engage in more "extra mile" citizenship behaviors.

Loralie Feels Guilty