Final answer:
The expectancy theory asserts that employees are more motivated and exert higher effort when they believe there is a strong relationship between effort and performance, performance and rewards, and rewards and personal goals, making the statement in the question false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement presented in the question is false. According to expectancy theory, an employee will exert a high level of effort if they perceive a strong relationship between effort and performance, performance and rewards, and rewards and personal goals. This theory suggests that when employees believe their efforts will lead to effective performance and that performance will result in desirable rewards that fulfill their personal goals, they are more motivated to work harder.
Vroom's expectancy theory includes three components: Expectancy (effort—performance relationship), Instrumentality (performance—reward relationship), and Valence (rewards—personal goals relationship). The higher these perceptions, the greater the motivation. Thus, an alignment of these elements will most likely increase the effort put forth by the employee. This is the opposite of what the question suggests.
Additionally, the efficiency wage theory supports the idea that better pay can lead to increased worker productivity, thereby motivating employees to put in more effort, fearing the loss of a well-paying job. Similarly, theories like Theory Y and self-efficacy highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation, where employees who enjoy work and are given responsibility tend to be more productive and satisfied.