Question

Expectancy Theory Sample Problems

Assignment: In each example below, state whether expectancy, instrumentality, valence, and motivation is either low, high, moderate, or negative by filling in the blanks provided.

L is for Larry. Larry is a criminal defense attorney. For his work, Larry receives money and social status. Larry wants to make lots of money and particularly enjoys moving up the social ladder. Larry finds that most of his lucrative cases involve defending some particularly notorious criminals. Recently, he help to acquit a defendant that the community generally believed was guilty. For this, Larry got a nice paycheck but he was scorned by the social elite. When Larry works hard, he does a great job.

Reward                  Expectancy                           Instrumentality                      Valence                 Motivation

Money                                                              _____                                  _____

                             _______                                                                                      =            _________

Status                                                                ______                                ______  

S is for Steve. Steve is a college professor. He receives money and recognition for his work, both of which he likes very much. Steve knows that when he works hard, his teaching and research productivity improves. However, Steve’s salary is dependent on the State’s budget, not his work. Further, Steve feels that he does not get the recognition that he deserves for his work.

Reward                  Expectancy                           Instrumentality                      Valence                 Motivation

Money                                                              _____                                  _____

                             _______                                                                                      =            _________

Recognition                                                       ______                                ______  

Answer 1

Larry’s positioning as per Expectancy Theory

• Expectancy: High
  • Larry has an understanding that if he works hard, he does a great job. He works with the intention of making money, which is completely dependent on his performance. Hence Larry works hard to draw high pay-checks
• Instrumentality: High
  • Larry clearly understands that if he performs well, he will receive hefty pay checks and would move up the social ladder
• Valence:: Low
  • The primary objective of Larry is to make money and grow socially. He does not care much about ethics and morality
• Motivation: High
  • Larry is working hard to fulfill his esteem needs and physiological needs. He is motivated to perform well.
• Money: Moderate
  • Larry does make money, but he aspires to make more money

Steve’s positioning as per Expectancy Theory

• Expectancy: Moderate
  • Steve knows that when he works hard, his teaching and research productivity improves but his compensation is dependent primarily on state budget. Hence his expectancy level is moderate
• Instrumentality: Low
  • Steve clearly knows even if he works hard and improves his overall performance, his compensation will only be decided based on the part of State’s budget allocated to teaching sector. Hence the instrumentality is quite low
• Valence:: High
  • More than money, Steve aspires for recognition of his work
• Motivation: Low
  • Steve is demotivated as he feels his work is not getting the adequate recognition which it deserves
• Money: Moderate
  • Steve makes substantive money. His work objectivity is more focused upon getting recognized for his efforts rather than just making money