Business writing Psychology
2 April 2024

The Expectancy Theory

By Lee

Expectancy Theory: It proposes that an individual’s level of effort is influenced by their belief that their efforts will lead to desired outcomes.

Two men with paper bags on their heads
Two men with paper bags on their heads

Overview

Expectancy theory, developed by Victor Vroom in 1964, states that an individual’s level of effort is influenced by their belief that it will lead to desired outcomes. This is achieved through the alignment of rewards and values and creating a supportive work environment.

The theory revolves around three elements: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Expectancy refers to the belief that increased effort will result in desired outcomes and is influenced by perceived goal difficulty, confidence, and control. Instrumentality is the belief that meeting expectations will lead to rewards, and managers can improve this by communicating clear expectations and building trust. Valence is how much an individual values a reward based on their own needs, goals, and preferences.

An example of this theory in action is when people work harder because they believe it will lead to rewards.

However, there can be disadvantages such as difficulty aligning all employees’ values with those of the organisation.

Are there other theories besides the expectancy theory of motivation?

There are multiple alternative theories of motivation that can be beneficial for managers. These theories offer valuable insights on how to effectively motivate and build effective teams. Some noteworthy examples include:

  • The Motivation-Hygiene Theory by Frederick Herzberg, which highlights the impact of two factors in the work environment: motivators and hygiene factors.
  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs by Abraham Maslow, which suggests that individuals have underlying fundamental needs that must be met before they can move on to fulfill higher level needs and perform at their best.
  • Theory X and Theory Y by Douglas McGregor, which explains how different types of employees should be managed based on their individual characteristics.

How can managers apply the Expectancy Theory to inspire and motivate their employees?

To effectively use the Expectancy Theory, it is vital for managers to establish a sense of trust by aligning rewards with values and following through on commitments. Providing challenging yet achievable goals while offering support and empowerment can help employees reach their full potential. Clear expectations must also be communicated consistently.

Managers can use the Expectancy Theory to motivate employees by showing confidence in their capabilities to handle tasks, even when faced with difficulties or lack of control. Rewarding high-performing team members can encourage others to improve their efforts and performance as well. Utilising project management software can assist in analysing individual workloads and adjusting them accordingly, while also maintaining transparency on overall performance and project progress.

Recommended listening: The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life by David Robson.
Read the book: The Expectation Effect

David Robson takes us on a tour of the cutting-edge research happening right now that suggests our expectations shape our experience. Of course, you can’t just think yourself thinner, happier or fitter, but using this book you can reframe many different facets of your life. These easy-to-use skills will help you on your way to becoming the person you want to be, living the life you want to live.