Equity and inequity as a source of reward and punishment

Abstract

An experiment was performed to test the hypothesis, derived from equity theory, that equity and unfavorable inequity can act as a source of reward and punishment in addition to any reward provided by an individuals own outcomes. The results supported the hypothesis. It was also found that the choice behavior of females was more strongly influenced by equity and inequity than was that of males. © 1969, Psychonomic Journals, Inc.. All rights reserved.