Toward a Simple but Useful Equity Theory: A Comment on the Romer Article
- 1 January 1978
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
- Vol. 4 (1) , 135-138
- https://doi.org/10.1177/014616727800400129
Abstract
The history of the so-called negative inputs controversy in equity theory is reviewed, and Romer's (1977) suggestions for resolving it are evaluated. Doubt is expressed regarding the validity of Romer's inference that equity theory applies only to situations in which a fixed resource is being shared by two or more individuals. Romer and the present author do appear to agree that, in order to preserve a simple and useful theory, it is necessary to assume that inputs are exclusively positive in sign. Nonetheless, it is concluded that Romer's article essentially advocates regression from, rather than progress toward, the resolution of issues currently being considered by equity theorists.Keywords
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