The Expectancy Theory of Motivation

Inkson and Kolb discuss the issue of expectancy theory, which is how an employee values the outcome of putting in a lot of effort in order to achieve a goal. ?Motivation declines when there is uncertainty of the lineages between performance and effort? (Inkson and Kolb, 1999, p.327) Outcomes can include bonuses and or praise (extrinsic rewards) and feelings of accomplishment (intrinsic rewards).

The expectancy theory was developed by Victor H. Vroom in 1964 as a systematic explanation of individual motivation within the workplace. This theory put forth three key components: expectancy, performance, and valence. From the base component of the theory, which is expectancy, behavior is built by an individual’s value of the reward or valence. Vroom’s theory of expectancy is used by manager to understand how individual employees are motivated and how they will respond to rewards closely tied to the tasks given. Expectancy is proposed to be an individual’s understanding of how their effort leads to a given performance level. Vroom put forth in his theory that individuals believe the more effort put into a task or objective, the better

The Expectancy Theory of Motivation (hereafter “The Expectancy Theory”) is theory that states: “the strength of a tendency to act in a certain way depends on the strength of an expectation that the act will be followed by a given outcome and on the attractiveness of that outcome to the individual.” (Robbins & Judge, 2012) The theory is among the most widely accepted theories relating to motivation. (QuickMBA, 1999-2010)

This paper explores a contemporary and widely accepted motivational theory known as Expectancy theory of motivation introduced by Victor Vroom in 1964. It will first explain the three key components and relationships of the expectancy theory of motivation. These components include Expectancy, Instrumentality and Valence. In addition, it will explain how to enhance the motivation of employees in a fictional but real-life modeled scenario using the Expectancy theory of motivation. After studying this paper, the reader should be able to explain the main components of the Expectancy

According to the expectancy theory of motivation, in the workplace an employee’s willingness to work is dependent upon the end result of working and how important the end result is to the employee. An employee will be more compelled to put forth more effort if it is believed that the consequence of doing so will be a positive performance evaluation. The employee must believe that by achieving a positive performance evaluation, an incentive will be achieved. The incentive, whether it is monetary or advancement, must benefit the employee (Robbins, 2012).

(1) We recommend Perry to use the Expectancy Theory. We believe this theory can solve Perry’s problem well and responds to his concern. “Expectancy theory is based on the premise that a person will be motivated to put forth a higher level of effort if they believe their efforts will result in

Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation has three related components; effort, performance, and reward. It states that people desire rewards they believe can be achieved by putting forth acceptable performance, and that acceptable performance can be achieved by putting forth sufficient effort. In the theory, expectancy is the thought that effort leads to performance, instrumentality is the thought that performance leads to rewards, and valence is the degree that an individual values the rewards. In essence, expectancy links effort and performance, and instrumentality links performance and rewards. If a person has high expectancy, instrumentality, and valence, they will be highly motivated (Nelson, 2015). At the ROM, I wanted to help children enjoy their visit and make extra money for university. Since I needed the money, and I remembered visiting

Expectancy Theory is a mental form of motivation. It is based how employee makes their decisions and why they are motivated to perform the task. It identifies the motivational force behind the decision (Van Eerde & Thierry, 1996). Motivation is predetermined before an employee will complete an assignment (Kopp, 2014). The components that contribute an employee’s motivation are a positive link between their effort and performance; the performance leads to the reward and the reward satisfies an important need of the employee (Kopp, 2014). Vroom’s Expectancy Theory is based on three components these are Valence, Expectancy, and Instrumentality. These components are directly linked to

Savaria’s motivation can be supported through the Vroom Expectancy Motivation Theory. This theory links the performance of an individual effort to his motivation with the purpose of increasing satisfaction and minimizing dissatisfaction. According to Vroom, the performance of an employee is based on individual factors; personality, skills, knowledge, experience and abilities. The Vroom theory accounts to three variables; Expectancy, Instrumentality, and Valance.

The Expectancy Theory is a theory that was created by Vroom (1964) to explore motivation through analysing people’s behaviour at work. The theory consists of three main components: expectancy, instrumentality and valence. Expectancy is the probability that an employee‘s effort will lead to a given level of performance. Subsequently, instrumentality is the probability that a certain level of performance will result in a desired outcome, therefore, the reward. Finally, valence focuses

"Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them" Jack (2001-2016). Motivational theories can help support an employee to progress in the workplace; a few theories such as Extrinsic Motivation, Intrinsic Motivation, Acquired Needs Theory, Self-Determination theory, and expectancy theory relate to my professional life. I will explain if I agree/disagree with my PsyCap self-assessment and some developing strategies to advance in my career using my strengths. Also, I will talk about how I can employ goal-setting to increase motivation, and how my engagements at the workplace influence my job performance.

In today’s organization, there is a need for ways in which to effectively motivate employees. Expectancy theory addresses the underlying issues that are associated with the belief that a performance or outcome is attainable. Developed initially by Edward Tolman and Kurt Levin, introduction of the theory into the workplace was not achieved until quite some time later by Victor Vroom (Bradt, 1996). It is his first utilization of the theory that enabled others to develop and recognize the potential the theory played in motivating individuals. This essay will address not only the fundamental mechanics behind expectancy theory, but also how it can be correlated with education, performance appraisals,

With Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, it is assumed that behavior arises from choices whose sole purpose is to obtain maximum pleasure and lowest pain. Vroom therefore realized that employees’ performances are based on individual factors that include personality, knowledge and skills, experience and other abilities. He further explains that performance, motivation and effort are directly linked through variables i.e. Instrumentality, Expectancy and Valence.

Victor H. Vroom’s Theory (1964) developed the Expectancy Theory of Motivation. This theory is a behavioral theory that one behavior of an individual will be chosen over another type of behavior when positive performance will lead to desirable rewards. Figure 3.3 will illustrate the three components to this theory: expectancy, instrumentality, and valance, and show how the variables of Vroom’s theory is designed.

Radosevich, D. J., Levine, M. S., Sumner, K. E., Knight, M. B., Arendt, L. A., & Johnson, V. A. (2009). The role of expectancy theory in goal striving processes. Journal Of The Academy Of Business & Economics, 9(4), 186-192.