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Expectancy Theory

 

Definition:

          ‘Instrumentality’ may be defined as the personal belief that first-level outcomes lead to second level outcomes.   This could include coming to work late and leaving or accepting a position.  ‘Expectancy’ may be defined as the subjective belief that a given effort will lead to a first-level outcome on the job.  Expectancies are judgments about the relationships between given levels of effort and various first level outcomes.

 

According to Vroom, individuals will ask 3 questions before deciding how to act:

1.     If I attempt this behaviour, how likely is it that I will succeed? (Expectancy)

2.     If I am successful, will the outcome be desirable? (Instrumentality) and

3.     How much do I value the outcomes? (Valence)

These answers will determine our level of motivation.

This model:

Expectancy Theory of Employee Motivation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This illustrates how employees exert effort to achieve a first-level outcome such as high performance on the job.  This is done for two reasons.

1.     Feeling of self fulfillment for a job well done (Intrinsic Motivator)

2.     Belief that success at first level will yield a valued second level outcome.

 

Managers fit the circumstances of an individual employee

          Any level of employee effort

          Any type of measurement of performance at work

          Any kind of positive or negative, intrinsic or extrinsic work outcome.

 

1.     Expectancy Theory how individuals make decisions regarding various behavioural alternatives. This model deals with the direction aspect of motivation, that is, once behaviour is energized, what behavioural alternatives are individuals likely to pursue. The following are propositions of Expectancy Theory:

 

A.   When deciding among behavioural options, individuals select the option with the greatest motivation forces (MF).

MF=  Expectancy * Instrumentality * Valance

B.    The motivational force for a behaviour, action, or task is a function of three distinct perceptions which are:

 

1.     Expectancy- Probability (EP): The expectancy is the belief that one's effort (E) will result is attainment of desired performance (P) goals. This belief, or perception, is generally based on an individual's past experience, self confidence (often termed self efficacy), and the perceived difficulty of the performance standard or goal.

        Examples include

§         If I spend most of tonight studying will it improve my grade on tomorrow's math exam?

§         If I work harder than everyone else in the plant will I produce more?

§         If I practice my foul shot more will my foul shooting improve in the game?

§         If I make more sales calls will I make any more sales?

 

2.     Instrumentality- Probability (PR): The instrumentality is the belief that if one does meet performance expectations, he or she will receive a greater reward. This reward may come in the form of a pay increase, promotion, recognition or sense of accomplishment.

        Examples include:

§         If a get a better grade on tomorrow's math test will I get an "A" in math?

§         If I produce more than anyone else in the plant, will I get a bigger raise? A faster promotion?

§         If my foul shooting improves will I have a shot a team MVP?

§         If I make more sales will I get a bonus? A greater commission?

§         If I make more sales will I believe that I am the best sales person?

 

3.     Valance- V(R): The valance refers the value the individual personally places on the rewards. This is a function of his or her needs, goals, and values.

        Examples include:

§         How much I really want an "A" in math?

§         Do I want a bigger raise? Is it worth the extra effort? Do I want a promotion?

§         How important to me is it to be team MVP?

§         Do I need a sales bonus? Is the extra time I spend making extra sales calls worth the extra commission?

§         Is it important to me that I am the best salesperson?


 

Influences of Expectancy Theory

 

Performance is both behaviour and an outcome.  It is an outcome because it is the result or consequence of effort expended by employees, and can be affected by the following:

 

Locus of Control An individual’s belief that one’s actions influence the outcomes one experiences in life.  ‘Need for Achievement’ is one of the socially acquired needs as explained by McClelland. 

 

Internalizes believe that the consequences they experience are a result of their behaviour they will expend high levels of effort if they believe they can perform. Well.  – Intrinsic motivation because performance by itself can be highly rewarding.

 

Externalist believe that their efforts may not be sufficient to produce desired level of performance can begin to doubt the fairness of the company’s reward policies.  Requiring more effort by Manger to define performance success, job content and tighter supervision.

 

Need for achievement can also influence effort, performance and rewards.  Those who have this type of need usually seek regular feedback from the supervisor.

 

High achievers should be adjusted so that they can control their methods of work get adequate feedback and receive meaningful rewards for high performance.

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