Adams' Equity Theory
J. Stacey Adams - Equity Theory on Job Motivation
John Stacey Adams, a workplace and behavioral psychologist, introduced his Equity Theory on job motivation in 1963. The theory acknowledges that various factors influence an individual's perception of their relationship with work and their employer. Equity Theory emphasizes the importance of awareness, cognizance of the broader situation, and comparison, setting it apart from earlier motivational models.
Adams' Equity Theory extends beyond individual self-assessment to include the influence and comparison of others' situations, such as colleagues and friends, in shaping a sense of fairness. When individuals perceive fair treatment, they are more motivated. Conversely, feelings of disaffection and demotivation arise when they feel unfairly treated. The crux of Equity Theory lies in how people gauge this sense of fairness.
Equity is not solely based on whether the reward exceeds effort but on comparing one's reward/investment ratio with that of others in similar circumstances. Adams termed personal efforts and rewards as 'inputs' and 'outputs,' respectively.
Inputs encompass various factors beyond working hours, while outputs include financial rewards and intangible benefits. The theory introduces the concept of 'referent others' as the benchmark for comparison, highlighting the importance of this comparative aspect.
Equity Theory elucidates why pay and conditions alone do not drive motivation. It explains how individuals seek a balance between input and output in their jobs, determining fairness through comparison with relevant others. Understanding this theory is crucial for managers and policymakers to navigate employee motivation effectively.
J. Stacey Adams - Equity Theory on Job Motivation
John Stacey Adams, a workplace and behavioral psychologist, introduced his Equity Theory on job motivation in 1963. The theory acknowledges that various factors influence an individual's perception of their relationship with work and their employer. Equity Theory emphasizes the importance of awareness, cognizance of the broader situation, and comparison, setting it apart from earlier motivational models.
Adams' Equity Theory extends beyond individual self-assessment to include the influence and comparison of others' situations, such as colleagues and friends, in shaping a sense of fairness. When individuals perceive fair treatment, they are more motivated. Conversely, feelings of disaffection and demotivation arise when they feel unfairly treated. The crux of Equity Theory lies in how people gauge this sense of fairness.
Equity is not solely based on whether the reward exceeds effort but on comparing one's reward/investment ratio with that of others in similar circumstances. Adams termed personal efforts and rewards as 'inputs' and 'outputs,' respectively.
Inputs encompass various factors beyond working hours, while outputs include financial rewards and intangible benefits. The theory introduces the concept of 'referent others' as the benchmark for comparison, highlighting the importance of this comparative aspect.
Equity Theory elucidates why pay and conditions alone do not drive motivation. It explains how individuals seek a balance between input and output in their jobs, determining fairness through comparison with relevant others. Understanding this theory is crucial for managers and policymakers to navigate employee motivation effectively.
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