Equity theory is a social exchange theory that explains how individuals perceive and respond to perceived unfairness in relationships. It proposes that individuals seek to maintain a balance of fairness in their relationships, and when this balance is disrupted, they may experience negative emotions and take action to restore fairness. In this essay, we will explore equity theory through a case study of a workplace conflict.
The case study involves a small team of coworkers at a marketing firm. One member of the team, Rachel, has consistently taken on a larger workload than the other team members and has not received any additional compensation or recognition for her efforts. Rachel has expressed her frustration to her coworkers and her supervisor, but no action has been taken to address the issue.
According to equity theory, Rachel's perception of unfairness in the distribution of workload and rewards within the team is likely to cause negative emotions and lead to attempts to restore fairness. Rachel may attempt to restore fairness by reducing her efforts, seeking additional rewards or recognition, or communicating more openly with her coworkers and supervisor about her concerns.
The other team members may also be affected by Rachel's perceived unfairness. They may experience guilt or discomfort if they are aware of Rachel's extra efforts, and may attempt to restore fairness by offering to help with some of Rachel's tasks or advocating for her with the supervisor.
In this case, it would be beneficial for the team and the supervisor to address the issue of equity directly. This could involve a more equitable distribution of workload and rewards, or open communication and negotiation among team members to address any concerns about fairness. By addressing the issue of fairness directly, the team can avoid negative emotions and conflicts and work together more effectively.
In conclusion, equity theory offers a useful framework for understanding and addressing conflicts that arise from perceived unfairness in relationships. By recognizing and addressing issues of fairness, individuals and teams can maintain positive and productive relationships.