Vroom’s Expectancy Theory

Victor H. Vroom, (1932- )

Definition
These 3 factors interact together to create a
 assumes that behavior results from motivational force for an employee to work towards
conscious choices among alternatives pleasure and avoid pain.  The formula for this force
whose purpose it is to maximize pleasure is:
and minimize pain
Valence of outcome x Expectancy act will be
 suggested that the relationship between result in outcome (Instrumentality) = Motivation
people's behavior at work and their goals Force
was not as simple as was first imagined by
other scientists
 an employee's performance is based on
individuals factors such as personality,
skills, knowledge, experience and abilities

The theory suggests that although individuals may

have different sets of goals, they can be motivated
if they believe that:

 There is a positive correlation between

efforts and performance,
 Favorable performance will result in a
desirable reward, First Order Outcome is the behavior that results
 The reward will satisfy an important need, directly from the the effort an employee expends on
 The desire to satisfy the need is strong the job. 
enough to make the effort worthwhile.
Second Order Outcome is anything good or bad
that results from a first-order outcome. 
VARIABLES
Expectancy Theory is based on an employee’s  
beliefs:

 Valence - refers to emotional orientations

which people hold with respect to outcomes
(rewards) – the value the person attaches to
first and second order outcomes
 Expectancy – refers to employees’ GOD BLESS
different expectations and levels of
confidence about what they are capable of
doing – the belief that effort will lead to first
order outcomes
 Instrumentality – refers to the perception
of employees whether they will actually Prepared by:
receive what they desire, even if it has been Precious Mae Farrol & Precious Grace Sullan
promised by a manager – the perceived link
between first order and second order
outcomes http://www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/research/dstools/vroom
s-expectancy-theory/