Lucy recently took on a new job at a very large company with several levels of supervision above her pay grade in the hierarchy. She seems to be constantly meeting new people whom she perceives to have some control over her success in the organization. This perception tends to cause Lucy a great deal of stress. Explain why it is more likely that Lucy will reciprocate than to compensate in interactions with these people.

What will be an ideal response?

Uncertainty reduction theory predicts people are more likely to reciprocate during times of high uncertainty. In this case, responses should include the relationship between stress and reciprocity.