Expectancy Theory
Expectancy theory is one of the most influential theories of motivation in business psychology. The concept explains the strengths and weaknesses of the theory in a business context and the steps required to implement the theory for better workforce performance.
Technique Overview
Expectancy Theory Definition
Expectancy theory describes the extent to which an individual is likely to pursue a certain course of action (motivational force), which is in turn a function of expectancy (a belief that increased effort will produce better performance), x instrumentality (a belief that better performance will lead to certain outcomes), x valence (a belief that the outcome will be desirable) (van Eerde & Thierry, 1996).
Expectancy Theory Description *
* The full technique overview will be available soon. Contact us to register your interest in our business management platform, and learn all about Expectancy Theory.
Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Expectancy Theory *
* The business evidence section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business Evidence.
Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Expectancy Theory *
* The business application section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business application.
Professional Tools
Expectancy Theory videos and downloads *
* The professional tools section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the professional tools.
Further Reading
Expectancy Theory web and print resources *
Expectancy Theory references (4 of up to 20) *
- Armstrong, M. (2002) Rewarding Individual and Team Contributions and Organisational Performance in Employee Reward, CIPD, London.
- Gatewood, E. J., Shaver, K. G., Powers, J. B. and Gartner, W. B. (2002) Entrepreneurial Expectancy, Task Effort and Performance, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol. 27 (2), pp. 187-206.
- Hackman, J. R. and Oldham, G. R. (1975) Development of the Job Diagnostic Survey, Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 60 (2), pp. 159-70.
- Holton, V. and James, P. (2000) The Development and Motivation of R&D Staff, Ashridge Research, The Leverhulme Foundation.
* The further reading section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the further reading.
Learn more about KnowledgeBrief Manage and how you can equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed on Expectancy Theory and hundreds of other essential business management techniques