Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam 2026 - Free Management Practice Questions and Study Guide

Expectancy theory, developed by Victor Vroom, suggests that an individual’s motivation is influenced by their expectations regarding the outcome of their efforts. In this theory, "expectancy" specifically refers to the belief or perception that one's effort will indeed lead to the desired level of performance. This means that if an individual puts in sufficient effort, they perceive that they are more likely to achieve successful performance outcomes.

This concept is vital as it establishes a direct link between the effort put forth and the performance that follows. If an employee believes that their hard work will yield good results and they have the ability to perform the tasks required, they are more likely to be motivated to exert that effort.

The other terms in Expectancy theory serve distinct purposes: valence relates to the attractiveness or value of the outcome to the individual, while instrumentality refers to the belief that performance will lead to certain outcomes or rewards. Understanding this differentiation is crucial in grasping how motivation is structured within the framework of Expectancy theory.