In: Operations Management
Which two cultural variables are most likely to affect the validity of the "expectancy" theory of motivation?
[1] Power distance and [2] "external" versus "internal" control. |
[1] Universalism / particularism and [2] "specific" versus "diffuse" cultures. |
[1] Individualism / collectivism and [2] "external" versus "internal" control. |
[1] Uncertainty avoidance and [2] individualism / collectivism. |
Uncertainty avoidance and individualism / collectivism:
Expectancy theory was proposed by Victor Vroom in the year 1964. He stated that the performance of the employees is depended on personal characteristics like knowledge, skills, personality, etc. This theory indicates that the magnitude to perform in a specific way depends on the expectation and the appeal of the outcome to the person. This concept is based on three variables or components: Valence, expectancy and instrumentality.
There are six cultural dimensions given by Hofstede. They are: Power distance, Masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs. Collectivism, long term vs. Short term orientation and indulgence vs. Restraint. Individualism vs. Collectivism includes the consideration for only to oneself or the group of people attached to the person. Uncertainty avoidance includes whether a person is willing to work hard to secure the future. Both these factors may affect the validity of expectancy theory.