Equity Theory: The Recent Literature, Methodological Considerations, and New Directions

Organizational theorists have advanced models of individuals' determination of equitable payment for work. Current demands by minority and women's groups stress equitable treatment by formal organizations. This article reviews primary areas in which the concept of equitable treatment has centered, notes findings, and discusses significant theoretical/methodological issues. The relationship of the equity concept and behavioral models is discussed, and frameworks for future research are presented.