The equity theory of motivation is used to describe the relationship between the employees perception of how fairly is he being treated and how hard he is motivated to work
Motivation is the activation of an energized goal-oriented behavior. Everyone takes up a job as they are motivated by some factor or the other. Some are motivated by the challenge they will face in carrying out their job, some are motivated by the level of fame they may earn, others and majority of people are motivated by the money they will earn. The last factor plays a major role in making or breaking a company. People will work better when they are motivated enough with the pay scale, the incentives and the perks they are offered in return of a job well done.
Introduction to Equity Theory
There was a time when employers thought employees to be just another input required for production of output, that is, goods and services. This thinking was changed with the research conducted known as Hawthorne Studies, by Elton Mayo from 1924 to 1932. This study showed that employees are not just motivated by the money, but their attitudes as well. Thus, the Hawthorne Studies initiated the human relations approach to management and the needs and motivation of employees was the primary concenter of managers.
Equity Theory Examples
As the main focus of the researchers moved towards employees and their motivation factors, following the Hawthorne Study results, there were many theories put forward to understand employee motivation. The following are the five major equity theory examples that have helped in understanding motivation.
• Maslow's Need-Hierarchy Theory: Maslow put forward five levels of needs of employees. These needs included physiological, safety, ego and self-actualizing. Maslow put forward an argument that said the lower level needs of employees need to be satisfied before the next higher level need is fulfilled to motivate them. The