The Application of Cognitive Choice Theories in Equity Theory with regards to Organizational Life Cycle

Looking at modern organizational psychology research, many theories are accepted at face value regardless of the context or development stage the organization may find itself in. This uncritical application of theory may be unjustified across broader ranges of organizations. Such applications also fail to consider the importance of the organization’s context. For the purpose of this paper, our consideration of context with regards to organizations is defined as the scale and life cycle stage of the organization. It is imperative to note that within these various organizational contexts, manifestations of inequalities can diverge in both source as well as recipient, thereby influencing productivity in many ways. This project aims to explain theories on cognitive choice and how they tie into an individual’s action when experiencing inequality. It then looks at how these actions affect work motivation and employee productivity, and finally examines how everything plays across various scales of businesses.