Let1 Task 1 317.1.1-06

Behavioral Influences - Expectation Theory of Motivation

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Abstract

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 theory of motivation and apply it’s concepts as an approach to improving performance in a given workplace situation.

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Behavioral Influences - Expectation Theory of Motivation

The subject of motivation has received a great deal of attention in the social sciences, especially when it comes to organizational behavior and management in the workplace. One of the most widely accepted theories of motivation includes Victor Vroom’s Expectancy theory, which was first introduced in 1964. Expectancy theory of motivation is a contemporary theory of motivation, which focuses primarily on a worker’s perceived outcomes. Vroom suggests workers will be highly motivated when they believe high levels of effort will lead to better performance, which in turn will lead to the attainment of desired outcomes (Vroom, 1964). Expectancy theory of motivation is comprised of three key components: Expectancy, Instrumentality and Valence.

Expectancy is a worker’s belief that a certain level of effort exerted will result in a certain level of performance. This first component refers to the effort-performance relationship, in which an individual measures criterion...