Final answer:
According to equity theory, Pilar can reduce her perceived inequity by altering her perceptions and comparing herself to a coworker who earns a lower salary. This approach aligns with the theory's idea of fairness in relationships, where individuals adjust their inputs, outcomes, or perceptions to feel equitably treated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question relates to Pilar's perception of inequity when comparing her input/outcome ratio to Blake's. According to equity theory, the correct way for Pilar to reduce her perceived inequity is to: D) alter her perceptions about her ratio by comparing herself to a coworker who earns a lower salary.
Equity theory suggests that individuals strive to achieve fairness in their work relationships and can do so by adjusting their inputs, outcomes, or perceptions of others. Improving the quality of work or increasing inputs, such as obtaining more education, may not directly address Pilar's feeling of unfairness, nor would increasing the value placed on outcomes. Instead, changing her comparison point to someone with a lower salary may help her feel more equitably treated.
In contexts like socioeconomic policies, figures like 15.10 illustrate the trade-offs between incentives and economic equality, where aggressive pushes for equality may decrease economic output. Still, a moderate push may lead to increased outcomes. Equity in an economic sense includes considerations such as nepotism and bias, emphasizing systemic over individual corrections for achieving a level playing field.