Final answer:
Vroom's expectancy theory is a motivational theory consisting of three main components: expectancy (belief that effort leads to performance), instrumentality (belief that performance will lead to reward), and valence (value placed on the rewards).
Step-by-step explanation:
Vroom's expectancy theory is a motivational model that explains how people decide to act out certain behaviors with the expectation that they will result in a desired outcome. It involves a process of cognitive variables that reflect individual goals and the ways to achieve them. The theory suggests that motivation is the product of three components, which are expectancy, instrumentality, and valence, each representing a key step in the decision-making process regarding behavior and outcome expectancy.
- Expectancy: The belief that one's effort will result in attainment of desired performance goals.
- Instrumentality: The belief that if one does meet performance expectations, he or she will receive a greater reward.
- Valence: The value an individual places on the rewards of an outcome, which is based on their needs, goals, values, and sources of motivation.
This theory focuses on outcomes and the cognitive processes of employees and their work-related behaviors. Expectancy is often related to the effort a person is willing to put in, instrumentality is about the belief whether performance will lead to certain outcomes, and valence refers to the perceived value the individual attaches to the outcomes.