{"id":7211,"date":"2022-06-14T22:09:08","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T22:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/?p=7211"},"modified":"2022-07-11T09:05:35","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T09:05:35","slug":"adams-equity-theory-of-motivation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/adams-equity-theory-of-motivation\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Adam&#8217;s Equity Theory of Motivation &#8211; Process Model"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Adams' Equity Theory of Motivation\" class=\"wp-image-7212\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-720x480.png 720w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Equity-Theory-of-Motivation.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Motivation drives us to achieve our desired goals <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Motivation is the force that drives us to achieve our goals. In the field of Psychology, the <a href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/theories-and-models-of-motivation\/\">theories of motivation<\/a> have been divided into two categories- Content Models and Process Models. While the Content Models describe what stimulates people, Process Models tell us how we achieve the said motivation.&nbsp;There are 4 major process theories Reinforcement Theory, Theory of Expectancy, Goal Setting Theory &amp; Adam&rsquo;s Equity Theory of Motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Adam&rsquo;s <strong>Equity Theory of Motivation<\/strong> is one of the prominent Process Model.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_53 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662e869ada546\"><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662e869ada546\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/adams-equity-theory-of-motivation\/#What_is_Equity_Theory\" title=\"What is Equity Theory?\">What is Equity Theory?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/adams-equity-theory-of-motivation\/#Adam%E2%80%99s_Components_of_Motivation\" title=\"Adam&rsquo;s Components of Motivation\">Adam&rsquo;s Components of Motivation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/adams-equity-theory-of-motivation\/#The_%E2%80%98Equity%E2%80%99_in_Equity_Theory\" title=\"The &lsquo;Equity&rsquo; in Equity Theory\">The &lsquo;Equity&rsquo; in Equity Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/adams-equity-theory-of-motivation\/#Imbalanced_Equity_and_Motivation\" title=\"Imbalanced: Equity and Motivation\">Imbalanced: Equity and Motivation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/self-improvement\/motivation\/adams-equity-theory-of-motivation\/#Application_of_the_Equity_Theory\" title=\"Application of the Equity Theory\">Application of the Equity Theory<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px;\" id=\"what-is-equity-theory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Equity_Theory\"><\/span><strong>What is Equity Theory?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">In 1963, John Stacey Adams put forth the &lsquo;Equity Theory&rsquo;. Adams&rsquo; Equity Theory states that people are motivated when they find a balance between the contribution that they put in for a task and their achievements out of it. When people make an attempt to level these &lsquo;inputs&rsquo; and &lsquo;outputs&rsquo;, Adams believes that the understanding of our own contribution and comparing it with others, both play a role in determining our motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Altogether, a person wants that the rewards received by them or by others for any work done must be fair and equal. When there is reward equity, people remain motivated. Otherwise, motivation to achieve a goal fades away.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px;\" id=\"adame28099s-components-of-motivation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adam%E2%80%99s_Components_of_Motivation\"><\/span><strong>Adam&rsquo;s Components of Motivation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Adam&rsquo;s motivation theory establishes a stable relationship between the efforts put in by a person and the rewards achieved. Let us understand these two components of the Equity Theory to grasp the sense behind the theory.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol style=\"\" class=\"wp-block-list \"><li><strong>Inputs<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">To achieve any goal, one must put in some effort. Any contribution that an individual makes towards a certain task is his\/her input. For example, to engage your clients, you make an attractive presentation. So, your time and efforts, along with the presentation that you have prepared are your inputs.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Thus, inputs can include both physical and emotional labor. Contribution in the form of time, manual work, loyalty, prior experience and education, teamwork, attendance, enthusiasm etc. all account for &lsquo;inputs&rsquo;.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" style=\"\" class=\"wp-block-list \"><li><strong>Outputs<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">As a result of the inputs provided by an individual, he is given compensation in exchange. The outcomes that an individual thus receives for his efforts are the &lsquo;outputs&rsquo; in the Equity Theory&rsquo;. An example of such outputs would include receiving a good job opportunity after studying hard to receive a degree.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Just like the inputs, these rewards can also be tangible and intangible. Tangible outputs include salary of an employee, marks given to a student, promotion, pay raise, job security and other benefits. On the other hand, intangible outputs can range from praising to pride and recognition. The outcomes depend on the significance of the input.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/career\/all-you-need-to-know-about-performance-objectives\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/career\/all-you-need-to-know-about-performance-objectives\/\">All you need to know about performance objectives<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px;\" id=\"the-e28098equitye28099-in-equity-theory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%98Equity%E2%80%99_in_Equity_Theory\"><\/span><strong>The &lsquo;Equity&rsquo; in Equity Theory<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1-1024x995.png\" alt=\"Equity Theory\" class=\"wp-image-7214\" width=\"768\" height=\"746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1-1024x995.png 1024w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1-300x292.png 300w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1-768x746.png 768w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1-720x700.png 720w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1-150x146.png 150w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Equity-Theory-1.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Balance between inputs and outputs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">As mentioned earlier, an individual remains motivated when he believes that the outputs are fair vis a vis his inputs and also equal when compared to others in their working population. Let us discuss the factors that need to be in equity to motivate an individual.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"\" class=\"wp-block-list \"><li><strong>Input and Output<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">When an individual makes efforts to complete a task, he must receive reimbursement which is fair for his labor. For a fair relationship to exist between the input and the output, the person must feel that what he is receiving is satisfactory to what he is giving. When this happens, the person will be motivated to work in that particular organizational setting.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">This fairness can depend on the norms of the organization or the standards set by society. Once this equitability is laid down, an individual tends to compare his rewards with others. Hence arrives the need for the second equity.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"\" class=\"wp-block-list \"><li><strong>Output and Peer Output<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">The Equity Theory mentions that in order to ascertain motivation, the rewards of an individual must also be equivalent to the outcomes received by his peers. For example, if your teammate is rewarded with a paid vacation after the success of a project that you were working on together, you&rsquo;ll be motivated if you receive the same perks.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">When individuals perceive that they are being treated equally when they engage in &lsquo;social comparison&rsquo;, they will remain motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px;\" id=\"imbalanced-equity-and-motivation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Imbalanced_Equity_and_Motivation\"><\/span><strong>Imbalanced: Equity and Motivation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">When the balance desired by the Equity Theory is not met, the homeostasis gets disturbed and creates distress in the individual. In this case, the individual can either change the level of his inputs or demand a change in the output received. So, this can bring about an improved level of contribution from the individual and result in his development, or, it can make the person uncomfortable and the outcome can be a lack of confidence and self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"Equity Theory: Adams' Motivation\" class=\"wp-image-7215\" width=\"768\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-768x426.jpg 768w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-1536x853.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-720x400.jpg 720w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory-150x83.jpg 150w, https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Adams-Motivation-Theory.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Imbalance can lead to distress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px;\" id=\"application-of-the-equity-theory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_of_the_Equity_Theory\"><\/span><strong>Application of the Equity Theory<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<ul style=\"\" class=\"wp-block-list \">\n<li>The Equity Theory can help an individual assess his desired inputs and outputs thus leading to better motivation and development.<\/li>\n<li>&nbsp;A good leader can employ the tactics of Adams&rsquo; motivation theory to maintain engagement and performance.<\/li>\n<li>In organizations, the HR Department can benefit a lot from the Equity Theory. From determining the pay scale to employee retention, this theory can be very helpful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph \">Learn more about the human mind, discover yourself and remain motivated with Evolve! <a href=\"http:\/\/evolveinc.app.link\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"http:\/\/evolveinc.app.link\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download<\/a> the Evolve App now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Motivation is the force that drives us to achieve our goals. In the field of Psychology, the theories of motivation have been divided into two categories- Content Models and Process Models. While the Content Models describe what stimulates people, Process Models tell us how we achieve the said motivation.&nbsp;There are 4 major process theories Reinforcement &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":7459,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[470,374],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7211"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7211"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7490,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7211\/revisions\/7490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/evolveinc.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}