LET1 - 317.1.1-06
Behavioral Influences

Vroom’s expectancy theory comprises of three components: valence, expectancy and instrumentality (Droar, Dave, 2003). In an environment in which there is a reasonable expectancy for a specified outcome, the effort, or expectancy, of an individual must include having the right resources, skills, and necessary support to conclude to the desired result (Droar, Dave, 2003). Instrumentality is the performance of an individual that performance will result in a valued outcome depends on a clear understanding of the relationship between performance and outcome, trust in management or decision making process will result in a perceived positive outcome and clarity of the reward and to whom the reward will be bestowed upon. The third and final component is Valence (Droar, Dave, 2003). Valence is the weight or self worth a person places on the expected outcome. Vroom’s expectancy theory suggests that if any of these components are not present, an individual will not put forth the effort required to achieve a desired outcome due to lack of motivation from absent rewards (Droar, Dave, 2003). In Droar’s explanation of Victor Vroom’s theory of motivation, he explains that “Valence is the importance that the individual places upon the expected outcome.” Valence would vary depending on the individual in which the demand for the outcome is placed upon. A supervisor may have a higher level of importance than a laborer. In Droar’s explanation of Victor Vroom’s theory of motivation, he explains that “Instrumentality is the belief that if you perform well a valued outcome will be received.” Instrumentality, like valence, will vary, dependent upon who is “you”. Instrumentality may be as simple as your weekly paycheck, keeping a job, or simply, a job well done that you get credit for. A variable in this component would be