Expectancy Theory

Victor Vroom's expectancy theory, developed in the 1960s, explores how individuals are motivated by expected outcomes. The theory identifies three key elements: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Expectancy is the belief that effort leads to performance, instrumentality is the belief that performance leads to outcomes, and valence is the value placed on those outcomes. Understanding these elements can help managers motivate employees by aligning efforts with desired rewards.

What is the main idea behind Victor Vroom's expectancy theory?

• Motivation is not influenced by expected results.

• Effort always leads to success.

• People are motivated by intrinsic rewards only.

• Individuals act based on expected positive outcomes.

Which element of the expectancy model relates to the question, 'Will my effort lead to a high level of performance?'

• Outcome

• Valence

• Expectancy

• Instrumentality

What does the concept of 'instrumentality' in the expectancy model refer to?

• The likelihood of achieving a goal

• The link between performance and outcome

• The effort required to achieve a goal

• The value of the reward

In the context of the expectancy model, what does 'valence' refer to?

• The effort needed to perform a task

• The perceived value of the reward

• The probability of success

• The relationship between effort and performance

How can managers use the expectancy theory to motivate employees?

• By setting unrealistic performance goals

• By ignoring individual motivations

• By understanding and applying the expectancy framework

• By focusing solely on financial rewards