Equity and the performance of major league baseball players: An extension of Lord and Hohenfeld

Abstract

Extended R. G. Lord and J. G. Hohenfeld's assessment of equity effects on the performance of major league baseball players. The sample is expanded to include 30 (average age 30.6 yrs) players in the 1st 3 free-agent reentry drafts and to include comparisons with teammates and a sample of 30 (average age 29.5 yrs) traded players. Equity theory predictions of decrements in performance during a year of undercompensation were not supported. Performance of free agents was also found to be not significantly different from that of either teammates or traded players. Sample differences are identified, and results are interpreted within an expectancy theory, as well as an equity theory, framework. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1981 American Psychological Association.