Question

It can be difficult to apply the motivational theory to practical business situations. Some motivational theories, like expectancy theory, were developed with individual employee motivation in mind. Please address each of the following. Be as specific as possible and explain why you would make the suggested changes

QUESTION:

In 1000 words, identify and describe a situation at work (paid or volunteer), or elsewhere, where you have felt unmotivated. Then use each stage of the expectancy theory (Expectancy, Instrumentality, and Valance) and make suggestions regarding how the situation could be more motivating for you.

Answer 1

Situation: A fresher in a company is working overtime daily and at the end of the annual performance review does not get any promotion or rewards. The fresher lacks motivation and seriously considering shifting to another company.
Expectancy theory: Vroom’s expectancy theory aims to study the individual level of motivation or intrinsic motivation through three variables of valence, expectancy and instrumentality. Valence variable of the Vroom’s expectancy theory is used to assess the reward for work. Expectancy variable of the expectancy theory is related to employee capabilities, skills and confidence of the employee. Instrumentality variable of the Vroom’s expectancy theory indicates the belief of the employees in the reward program (incentives, rewards etc.) of the company.
Application of the Vroom’s expectancy theory to the above situation: In the above situation, the fresher employee is lacking motivation as there was no reward for the overtime work. In this situation, the valence variable plays a major part as there is no reward for work. Management knows the value of an employee and the overtime worked by the fresher employee. The immediate supervisor or the team lead understands the value of the employee as part of the team. The employee should be given incentives and rewards for the work done as part of the valence variable of the expectancy theory to boost the motivation of the employee.
According to the situation, the fresher employee is lacking confidence as the employee was not rewarded or promoted. The expectancy variable of the Vroom’s expectancy theory plays a major part here. The company did not meet the expectations of the employee and the fresher is lacking confidence. The management should instill confidence back into the employee by recognizing the employee as part of the team and reward the fresher for the overtime work and the contribution of the employee for the team success.
Finally, the instrumentality variable comes into play in the above situation as the fresher is considering shifting the job. The management should inform the fresher about the reward program of the company and instill faith in the employee and make the fresher employee believe in the reward program of the company. Incentives and bonus should be given to make the fresher employee believe in the reward program of the company.