Final answer:
The basic principle of equity theory is that employees strive to maintain evenness between their contributions and rewards, compared to similar individuals, which aligns with the goal of achieving fairness and motivation in the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is A: Employees try to maintain equity between their inputs (effort, skills, experience) and outputs (salary, benefits) compared to others in similar positions following the basic principle of equity theory. This theory suggests that employees seek to balance what they put into their job with what they get out of it, and they compare this balance with the perceived ratios of others to determine fairness. If they perceive inequity, they might become demotivated, which can impact their performance.
Economic performance, efficiency wage theory, and the Difference Principle are related concepts that reflect workers' feelings about their compensation and their productivity, as well as the moral considerations behind the set-up of economic structures and employment practices.