Final answer:
According to equity theory, if a person perceives overpayment, they may experience discomfort but could also internally justify the extra reward without it causing distress or a need to restore equity. The correct choice for this situation would be option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to equity theory, individuals assess their job outcomes and contributions and compare them with others. When a person perceives an imbalance in their ratio of input to output, compared to others, feelings of equity or inequity arise. In the context of being overcompensated, equity theory implies that the individual may experience guilt or discomfort and be motivated to restore equity.
However, in some instances, as indicated by the businessman example, an individual might rationalize the extra reward by adjusting their perception of their inputs, convincing themselves that their hard work is deserving of the overpayment, which aligns with option b. This psychological justification helps the individual to cope with the inequity without causing significant distress or a need to act to resolve the imbalance. This coping mechanism fits within the boundaries of equity theory and demonstrates how people may react to being overpaid.
Regarding scapegoat theory, it suggests that individuals or groups may project their failures or inadequacies onto another group, which is often a less powerful one. This theory is associated with option b, in which dominant groups blame subordinate groups for their problems. In summary, according to equity theory, if you believe that you are overpaid, option b, which states that you will be aware of being overpaid but it won't necessarily create any feelings of inequity, is the correct choice. This is because people may justify the inequity internally without feeling the need to make external changes.