Expectancy Theory

The expectancy theory of motivation is a theory proposed by a Canadian name Victor Vroom, professor of management and psychology at Yale University (Expectancy theory, 2003). He defines motivation as “a process governing choices… among alternative forms of voluntary behavior’. The expectancy theory of motivation has become an accepted theory for how individuals make decisions in regards to multiple behavioral alternatives. The expectancy theory of motivation offers two different approaches: A. when deciding among behavioral options, individuals select the option with the greatest motivation forces (MF), B. the motivational force for a behavior, action, or task is a function of three distinct perceptions (Expectancy, Instrumentality, and Valence) (Expectancy Theory, n.d).

Expectancy probability is simply based on the perceived effort-performance relationship. This is the anticipated likelihood that a particular behavior will lead to a certain outcome, as in the perception that if you work harder the rewards that you will receive will be greater. This perception is solely based on experiences, self-confidence, and the interpreted difficulty of the performance goal. An example of this would be, “If I make more sales calls will I make any more sales”? The company is not increasing the expectancy probability because the employees have a lack of confidence when it comes to this new production process. The supervisors need to offer training to increase the confidence and thus help increase the production line efficiency.

The instrumentality probability is the perceived likelihood that one outcome will lead to another, e.g. that greater rewards will result in greater job satisfaction (expectancy theory, 2003). The perception is that if one does meet their performance expectation, they will receive a greater reward such as a pay increase, promotion, or recognition. An example of this would be, “If I produce more than anyone else in the plant, will I get a bigger raise”?...