Vroom's Expectancy Theory states that when an employee is completing a task they are influenced by their view on:
The probability of completing the task and
The possible outcome or consequence of completing the task.
Expectancy Theory states that individuals choose actions that they think will give them a reward or reduce the likelihood of pain. Under this theory the ultimate goal is not important to the individual; what matters to the individual is the impact that achieving the goal will have on them.
Factor's Influencing an Employee's Opinion
Under Vroom's Expectancy Theory an individual's opinion is influenced by the following factors:
Expectancy – Does the individual believe that they can achieve the task?
Valence – Does the individual believe that completing the task will benefit them or cause detriment?
Instrumentality – What is the probability of completing the task leading to an outcome desired by the individual?
Expectancy (Subjective Probability)
Expectancy is the individual’s belief about whether they can achieve the task. This view will be influenced by a number of things including:
- The type of skills needed for the task,
- Support expectations of co-workers and line managers,
- Type of equipment/materials and
- Availability of pertinent information.