Final answer:
Employees feeling inequity are likely to change their 'comparison other' downwards, using a different, and often lower baseline for comparisons to cope with feelings of unfair treatment in the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
When employees perceive inequality in the workplace, they might adjust their point of comparison to cope with the feelings of unfairness. This process involves comparing their situation to that of others who are perceived to have a similar or lesser status or benefits, which can be seen as a downward comparison. The framework for understanding this behavior comes from equity theory, which suggests that individuals strive to maintain a balance between the inputs they bring to a job and the outcomes they receive.
If employees sense a disparity in this balance, particularly if they feel under-rewarded, they might respond by changing the individuals against whom they compare themselves. This downward comparison might provide temporary solace, but it does not solve the root issue of the perceived inequity. In some cases, persistent inequity can lead to changes in work behavior, lower productivity, or even exiting the company for alternative employment that offers compensation and conditions believed to be more equitable.