{"id":60641,"date":"2024-05-17T12:33:55","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T12:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"\/azv3n0k\/adams-equity-theory\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T15:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T15:07:25","slug":"adams-equity-theory","status":"publish","type":"product-content","link":"https:\/\/www.mindtools.com\/azv3n0k\/adams-equity-theory\/","title":{"rendered":"Adams\u2019 Equity Theory"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adams’ Equity Theory calls for a fair balance to be struck between an employee’s “inputs” (hard work, skill level, acceptance, enthusiasm, and so on) and their “outputs” (salary, benefits, intangibles such as recognition, and more).<\/p>

According to the theory, finding this fair balance helps to achieve a strong and productive relationship with the employee, with the overall result being contented, motivated employees.<\/p>\n\n

Understanding Adams’ Equity Theory<\/h2>\n\n

Adams’ Equity Theory is named for John Stacey Adams, a workplace and behavioral psychologist, who developed his job motivation theory <\/a>in 1963. [1] Much like many of the more prevalent theories of motivation (such as Maslow&#x27;s Hierarchy of Needs<\/a> and Herzberg&#x27;s Two-Factor Theory<\/a>), Adams’ Equity Theory acknowledges that subtle and variable factors affect an employee’s perception of their relationship with their work and their employer.<\/p>

The theory is built on the belief that employees become de-motivated, both in relation to their job and their employer, if they feel that their inputs are greater than the outputs they receive. Employees can be expected to respond to this in different ways, and may exhibit de-motivation, reduced effort, annoyance, or, in extreme cases, perhaps even disruption.<\/p>\n\n

How to Apply the Adams’ Equity Theory<\/h2>\n\n

Adams’ Equity Theory can help you spot ways to improve an employee’s job satisfaction and their level of motivation.<\/p>

To do this, consider the balance or imbalance that currently exists between your employee’s inputs and outputs, as follows:<\/p>

Inputs<\/strong> typically include:<\/p>