Reducing inequity by reallocating rewards

Abstract

The equity model can predict the manner in which members of a dyad allocate among themselves the rewards earned by their group. Among members with equal work inputs, Ss given more than half the reward reduced inequity by decreasing their own share. Those given less than half the reward increased their share. Ss also reduced inequity by planning to compensate for current inequities in future interaction. As expected, level of tension covaried with the magnitude of inequity. Underrewarded Ss overestimated their inputs in order to justify increasing their share.