Question: GROUP EXERCISE: Applying the Expectancy Theory

Objective: To practice applying expectancy theory.

Introduction: To increase someone's motivation via expectancy theory, you would make changes to the three components of expectancies, instrumentalities, and valence of rewards. In this exercise you will be asked to consider how you might do this by using a current or past job as a frame of reference.

Instructions: Your instructor will divide the class into groups of four to six. Each group member will work through Part 1 alone and then the group will convene to complete Part 2. If you are currently employed, use this job in answering the questions for Part 1. If you are not employed, then use your last job or a job you desire. Next, assume that you are responsible for managing the people doing that job. In other words, pretend you are managing yourself. Now you are ready to complete the steps in Part 1. Once you complete Part 1, follow the instructions for Part 2.

PART 1 (do this alone)

Step 1: Focusing on the valence component of expectancy theory, describe two ways you can determine the outcomes that employees doing this job would find valuable. What would you say or do?

Step 2: Focusing on instrumentality, explain two ways you can boost the instrumentality or link between
performance and valent outcomes for an employee doing the focal job.

Step 3: Describe two ways you could increase expectancy, the likelihood that an employee's efforts will generate greater performance.

PART 2 (do this as a group) Share your answers for each step in Part 1 with your group members. Don't just passively listen, but instead think of how you could apply their recommendations to the job you enriched in Part 1. Your goal is to gather four reasonable suggested actions for each of the steps in Part 1. This means that when you are finished you should have four different but feasible ways for determining valent outcomes, four ways of increasing instrumentality, and four ways for increasing expectancy.

Questions for Discussion

1. To what extent did your group members arrive at different ideas for steps 1-3 in Part 1. Did you find it valuable to share ideas in the group?

2. Do you think that the final set of ideas you summarized in Part 2 could reasonably be implemented? Explain why or why not.

3. What are the most difficult aspects of trying to apply expectancy theory? Explain.