Equity theory distinguishes equity from equality; which statement best captures equity?

• A. Equity means rewards are the same for everyone.
• B. Equity means rewards are proportional to contributions; equality means everyone receives the same rewards irrespective of contributions.
• C. Equity is unrelated to satisfaction.
• D. Equity only applies to friendships, not romantic relationships.

Answer: (B)

Equity theory centers on fairness in how rewards relate to what a person contributes. The essential idea is that equity means rewards are proportional to contributions, not that everyone gets the same amount. When people feel their inputs and outcomes are balanced with their partner’s, satisfaction tends to be higher. The statement describing equity as rewards proportional to contributions best captures this concept; equality would mean identical rewards regardless of what each person puts in. Perceived inequity—one person contributing more but receiving less—often lowers satisfaction and prompts adjustments to restore balance. And equity applies to romantic relationships just as it does to friendships.