Sunday, February 21, 2010

Vroom's Expectancy Theory

Vroom's expectancy theory was the most intriguing and appealing theory of motivation for me. It holds legitimate value in its argument that the level of effort an individual will put forth is based on the intended or desired results that will be achieved with that effort. The expectancy is that effort will be followed by sustained performance, which will lead to higher productivity. If individuals are motivated to achieve specific goals, they will be more effective in putting forth the effort required of the goal. Another section of the chapter discusses goals and what they do for individuals. Goals focus attention on a specific task, regulate the effort an individual will put into certain tasks, and increase the sustained effort that goes into a task. Goals with action plans are formulas for achieving success. Group goals which have a high level of commitment from members are very effective because having many individuals working together successfully creates an efficient business. Motivation is a large determining factor of the success of companies because without it, employees won't feel as though the companies goals are their own, and they will have no connection with the results of their efforts.

Successful leaders are not only motivated themselves, but they also motivate and inspire others around them. Each person's level of motivation is found within, and to find this motivation, life goals must be aligned with career and other goals. This will make each person more willing to expend effort for their goals because achievement will lead to personal advancement.

Kreitner, Robert. Organizational Behavior. 9th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2010.

Komives, Susan R. Et al. Exploring Leadership. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. San Francisco: 2007.

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