Expectancy Theory

Expectancy Theory argues that humans act according to their conscious expectations that a particular behavior will lead to specific desirable goals.

Victor H. Vroom developed the expectancy theory in 1964, producing a systematic explanatory theory of workplace motivation. Theory asserts that the motivation to behave in a particular way is determined by an individual’s expectation that behavior will lead to a particular outcome, multiplied by the preference or valence that person has for that outcome.

Three components of Expectancy theory are:

1. Expectancy: E -> P. The belief of the person that her/his effort (E) will result in attainment of desired performance (P) goals.

2. Instrumentality: P -> R. The belief of the person that she/he will receive a reward (R) if the performance (P) expectation is met.

3. Valence: The value of the reward according to the person. (e.g. Is the reward attractive to the person?)

The equation suggests that human behavior is directed by subjective probability.