Equity Theory
Adams · 1965 · Equity
Summary
Equity Theory holds that people evaluate the fairness of their work relationship by comparing their input-to-outcome ratio against a referent's. Perceived inequity — under-payment or over-payment relative to comparison others — produces tension and motivates behaviors to restore equity (changing inputs, changing outcomes, cognitive distortion, changing the referent, leaving). Adams's original formulation seeded what became the organizational justice literature, where distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational justice each predict distinct attitudinal and behavioral outcomes.
Canonical constructs
- construct.input_outcome_ratio (unresolved)
- construct.referent_comparison (unresolved)
- Distributive justice
- Procedural Justice
- Organizational Justice
- Job Satisfaction
- Organizational Commitment
Canonical relations
| From | Predicate | To | Central | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| construct.input_outcome_ratio | predicts | construct.distributive_justice | yes | |
| construct.referent_comparison | predicts | construct.distributive_justice | yes | |
| construct.distributive_justice | predicts | construct.job_satisfaction | yes | |
| construct.procedural_justice | predicts | construct.organizational_commitment | yes |
Synthesized priors (where available) live under /registry/priors/{from}/{predicate}/{to}.
Related theories
Theories sharing one or more canonical constructs with this one.