Question

Describe expectancy theory. Make sure you address how and when it is best used in the workplace.

Answer 1

The Expectancy Theory seperates the motivational effort, performance and outcomes. This theory also assumes that the employee behavior results from choices among the alternatives to maximise the pleasure and minimise the pain. Vroom is the man behind the Expectancy theory and he realised that the employees performance is based on individual factors such as personality, skills, abilities, knowledge and experience. Also, the effort, performance and motivation are linked to the person's motivation. The variables that are accountable are Expectancy, Instrumentality and Valence.

Expectancy is the belief that increased effort will help in increasing the performance. Instrumentality is the belief that the valued outcome will be received if the employee performs well. Valence is the importance that the individual places upon the expected outcome. Vroom's Expectancy theory works on perceptions. even if the employer thinks that he provided the necessary things for the motivation, that may not work with all the employees. Expectancy Theory applies to any situation where someone expects something as an expected outcome. Vroom's theory of motivation is about the associations of the people those make towards expected outcomes and the contribution they have to make for gaining these outcomes.