Question

Nicole was reasonably satisfied with her job and salary until she learned that a coworker who has less education and experience is paid more. Nicole is now miserable in her job and is thinking about quitting. Which theory of motivation would BEST describe​ Nicole's reaction?

Answer 1

Equity theory

Step-by-step explanation:

Equity theory refers to the fair distribution of resources between people. Equity is measured by comparing the ratio of contributions and rewards for each person and seeing if the ratio is the same

When we apply this theory to a working environment, this theory means that we expect that people that make the same kind of contributions to the work place have the same rewards (salary, for example) and if they contribute less to the workplace (for example by having less experience) we expect them to have a less salary or rewards. When this doesn't happen we lose motivation in our workplace and diminish our satisfaction.

In this example Nicole learned that her coworker who has less education and experience (contributions) is paid more than here (rewards), therefore she is not happy about the situation. Because she would expect her coworker to earn less since she's making less contributions, the theory of motivation that would describe Nicole's reaction would be the Equity Theory.