Reward, equity and conflict: a dynamic approach

Hunter, L.C., McCormack, D.J. and Rimmer, R.J. (2002) Reward, equity and conflict: a dynamic approach. International Journal of Business Performance Management, 4(1), pp. 24-44. (doi: 10.1504/IJBPM.2002.000106)

Abstract

In the past, constant pay rates and piece-rate systems were applied to reward employee effort. Now pay adjustments may vary between employees on the basis of subjective judgements of performance. Consequently, employees may feel that they are unfairly treated. Conflict follows with managers or supervisors who are enforcing corporate goals on production, quality and cost containment. A theoretical framework is proposed within which to study interactions between employees and employers over effort. Four features are demonstrated. Firstly, management can simulate the effects of policy alternatives. Secondly, many theories can be analysed within the framework. A theory of conflict over pay is considered. Then, in effort-wage bargaining chaotic outcomes are demonstrated. Finally, even with such complex outcomes, conventional human resource strategies are shown to moderate the variability of employee responses when remuneration is considered inequitable.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hunter, Professor Laurence and Rimmer, Professor Russell
• Authors: Hunter, L.C., McCormack, D.J., and Rimmer, R.J.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management; College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: International Journal of Business Performance Management
• ISSN: 1368-4892
• ISSN (Online): 1741-5039