Peer Review

Adams' Equity Theory

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jun 25, 2009 by Business

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The material takes the form of an article on Equity Theory. The article provides background on the development of Equity Theory and generally describes its relationship to other motivation theories. The theory and its elements are explained in a straightforward, comprehensible manner that focuses on application. A downloadable diagram of the theory's structure and components also is included. The BusinessBalls.com "about" link houses the following description: "Businessballs is a free ethical learning and development resource for people and organizations, run by Alan Chapman, in Leicester, England. Businessballs.com launched at the end of 1999. The concept began a few years earlier as an experimental online collection of learning and development ideas. The website is now used by about a million people each month. Alan originally created the Businessballs name for juggling balls which he used in his training and development business."
Type of Material:: Reference Material (an article with a downloadable diagram of Adams' Equity Theory)
Recommended Uses:: The material would best be used as a supporting reference to augment lectures and textbook material. Instructors could use the entire article (or just the diagram) as an in-class handout. Alternatively, instructors could "link" the article to an online course web site.
Technical Requirements:: The web site and article are easily accessed with any Internet browser. No special technology is required for reading or downloading the article.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: 1. Students will be able to explain Adams' Equity Theory. 2. Students will be able to explain the relationship between perceptions of equity (vs. inequity) and workplace motivation.
Target Student Population:: The material is presented at a level that would be most appropriate for undergraduate management students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: No prerequisite knowledge or skills are required to read the article or surf the BusinessBalls web site. However, students in courses such as management & supervision or organizational behavior or most likely to derive the greatest learning benefit.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Is clear and concise and summarizes the concept well. The material provides a straightforward explanation and illustration of Equity Theory.
Concerns:: As a supporting reference, this material would be even stronger if it included specific workplace examples of how perceived inequity can lead to tangible workplace outcomes.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: Is easy to write assignments for. Demonstrates relationships between concepts (and links to them)
Concerns:: The materials use is somewhat limited. It chiefly would serve as a course link or handout.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The article and diagram are easily accessible (one-click access) and could easily be integrated into a class lecture or class web site.
Concerns:: The visual sophistication of the web site is not particularly high.

Other Issues and Comments:: The BusinessBalls.com article is a nice supporting reference for instructors who are seeking back-up explanations and diagrams for their students.
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