How People Restore Equity at Work and Play: Forgiveness, Derogation, and Communication

Abstract

Responses to inequity are examined in the context of blended friendship. Predictions of equity theory were supported for derogation; individuals in an overbenefit situation were the most likely to derogate their partners. However, individuals in an underbenefit situation were not most likely to forgive their partners, in contradiction to the equity theory prediction. Across equity level and relationship dimension, a direct communication approach to restoring equity was preferable to an indirect approach. The results provide some support for equity theory and extend the application of the theory into the communication realm. Future research should investigate the effects of emotions, specifically anger and guilt, on equity restoration efforts.

Keywords:

• Blended Friendship
• Communication
• Derogation
• Equity Theory
• Forgiveness

Notes

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All dependent variables were tested for differences due to sex of the participant. Men were more likely than women to choose an indirect approach to communicating with their partner, though both means were lower than the midpoint of the scale.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine Y. Kingsley Westerman

Catherine Y. Kingsley Westerman is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies at the University of Tennessee.