The relation of trait self‐esteem and positive inequity to productivity

Abstract The present study explored the relation of trait self‐esteem and positive inequity to productivity Subjects worked on proofreading task, and received hourly (rather than piece‐rate) compensation that was either greater than (positive inequity condition) or equal to (equity condition) the amount that they deserved The results showed that individuals of high and medium self‐esteem were more productive (i e, completed more of the task) in the positive inequity condition than in the equity condition Low self‐esteem participants however, were actually less productive (i e, completed less of the task) in the positive inequity than in the equity condition Theoretical implications are discussed