Meaning & use
expectancy theory
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountabletechnicalbusiness
The idea that people work hard when they believe effort will lead to good performance and valued rewards.
Grammar: Usually uncountable and used with a singular verb: 'Expectancy theory suggests that...'
Patterns
- expectancy theory of motivation
- according to expectancy theory
- expectancy theory suggests that ...
Expectancy theory explains why a bonus only motivates staff who believe they can actually earn it.
According to expectancy theory, an employee asks three questions: Can I do it? Will it be rewarded? Do I want the reward?
The manager applied expectancy theory by setting clear targets and linking them to rewards people valued.
noununcountabletechnical
A formal model in psychology that predicts effort from a person's expectations about outcomes.
Grammar: Also uncountable; often followed by 'of' plus a theorist's name: 'Vroom's expectancy theory'.
Patterns
- Vroom's expectancy theory
- a version of expectancy theory
Vroom's expectancy theory remains one of the most cited models in work motivation.
In their textbook, the authors compare expectancy theory with goal-setting theory.
Common combinations
- expectancy theory of motivation
- The expectancy theory of motivation is central to this course on human resources.
- apply expectancy theory
- Managers can apply expectancy theory when designing a pay scheme.
- expectancy theory suggests
- Expectancy theory suggests that unclear goals reduce effort.
- according to expectancy theory
- According to expectancy theory, praise works only if workers value it.
Synonyms and how they differ
- expectancy model
- A looser term for the same idea; 'expectancy theory' is the standard academic name.
- Vroom's theory
- Names the specific version by Victor Vroom; use it when you want to credit the originator.
Word family
- expectancy noun
- The belief or hope that something will happen; the root noun in the phrase.
- expect verb
- To think that something will happen or be true.
- expectation noun
- A belief about what will happen; close in meaning to 'expectancy' but more everyday.
Commonly confused: expectancy theory or expected utility theory?
expectancy theory vs expected utility theory
A different model about choosing between risky options; expectancy theory is about motivation and effort.
Practice
According to expectancy theory, an employee works hardest when they believe that ___.
Choose one answer.
Expectancy theory links effort, performance and valued outcomes, so option 1 is correct. Option 3 describes monitoring, not expectancy, and option 0 confuses ease with motivation.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “expectancy theory”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.