Tom and Jerry are friends who work as marketing managers for different companies in the food industry. Upon a recent discussion, Tom discovered that Jerry's salary was nearly 20% higher than Tom's salary. Their on the job duties and responsibilities were comparable and in fact very alike. Both of their compensations included a comparable benefits package and they both had a nice work environment with an excellent team. Tom was upset and unsatisfied because of the fact that Jerry works for a higher salary doing the same job. He was also update because Tom works longer hours and he feels he is more productive than Jerry.
1. Using the equity theory, how would you explain Tom's frustration and un-satisfaction?
2. How can Tom reduce his frustrations?