Question

How important a role does perception play in determining whether an employee is receiving equitable treatment? What kinds of things might a manager do to influence those perceptions?

Answer 1

Perception plays a very significant role in determining whether an employee is receiving an equitable treatment or not. We know that perceptions are shaped by prior experience and within an organization perceptions are made at individual level as well as group level. Perception is a cognitive process in which environmental stimuli is given a meaning through selection and organization.

Within an organization people will have their own perceptions with regards to equitable treatment. As perceptions are subjective the attitude and feelings of employees will vary with regards to equitable treatment.

For a manager to influence the subjective perceptions and to ensure that the perceptions are not inaccurate the manager should make the stimuli important and intense. Managers should make the employees observe, select and translate their thoughts in a positive and appropriate manner. This will help in developing apt attitudes and feelings and reduce the element of subjectivity in their perceptions, both at the individual level as well as the group level.

Secondly the manager should make sure that there is no stereotyping and development of prejudices and biases within the employees. Perceptual accuracy will have to be increases through press of time, development of positive attitude, and ensuring that proper situational factors are in place.