Equity Theory: Evaluate

Question 1

Equity sensitivity:

Huseman et al (1987)

Answer 1

equity theory implies that everyone feels the same tension when they perceive inequity

Huseman identified 3 categories of individuals:
benevolents, equity sensitives, entitleds

Benevolents = givers/tolerant of being under-rewarded
Equity sensitives = behave according to equity theory
Entitleds = prefer to be over-rewarded

Question 2

Gender differences in the importance of equity:

DeMaris et al (2010)

Answer 2

men and women seen equally affected by inequity

women often perceives themselves as under-benefited and are most disturbed by this

Sprecher: women feel more guilt when over-benefited

DeMaris: suggests that this is due to women’s greater relationship focus making them more sensitives to injustices

Question 3

Cultural Differences in the importance of equity:

Aumer-Ryan et al (2006)

Answer 3

found that in all the countries they studied, people considered equity important

however this differed amongst cultures in how equitable they consider THEIR relationship to be

US: both men and women claimed to be in the most equitable relationships
Jamaica: claimed to be in the least equitable relationships

Question 4

A problem of causality:

Clark (1984)

Answer 4

the nature or causal relationships itself isn’t clear

Clark: argues that couples don’t think in terms of reward and equity and if they do so, then it’s a sign that their marriage is in trouble

dissatisfaction is the CAUSE, not the consequence of inequity

Hatfield and Rapson: suggest that in failing marriages, partners become preoccupied with the inequities of the relationship leading to a downfall