Expectancy Theory (Book Source- Not Original Material

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One of the most widely accepted explanations of motivation is Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory.99 Although it has its critics, most of the evidence supports it.100 expectancy theory A theory that says that the strength of a tendency to act in a certain way depends on the strength of an expectation that the act will be followed by a given outcome and on the attractiveness of that outcome to the individual. Expectancy theory argues that the strength of our tendency to act a certain way depends on the strength of our expectation of a given outcome and its attractiveness. In more practical terms, employees will be motivated to exert a high level of effort when they believe it will lead to a good performance appraisal; that a good appraisal will lead to organizational rewards such as bonuses, salary increases, or promotions; and that the rewards will satisfy the employees’ personal goals. The theory, therefore, focuses on three relationships (seeExhibit 7-8): * 1. Effort–performance relationship. The probability perceived by the individual that exerting a given amount of effort will lead to performance. * 2. Performance–reward relationship. The degree to which the individual believes performing at a particular level will lead to the attainment of a desired outcome. * 3. Rewards–personal goals relationship. The degree to which organizational rewards satisfy an individual’s personal goals or needs and the attractiveness of those potential rewards for the individual.101 ------------------------------------------------- Exhibit 7-8 Expectancy Theory ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- First, if I give a maximum effort, will it be recognized in my performance appraisal? For many employees, the answer is “no.” Why? Their skill level may
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