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 helped 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, Steves salary is dependent on the States 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 ______ ______

R is for Rodney. Rodney is taking a class in Structural Equation Modeling. As a consequence of his work in the class, Rodney receives a grade and continuance of his graduate school studies. Rodney really likes making good grades and desperately wants to continue in his graduate program. Rodney believes that successful performance on tests will certainly lead to better grades and will allow him to continue with his studies. However, Rodney has no clue how to do this work. It seems that the harder he tries, the worse he does on his tests and projects.

Reward Expectancy Instrumentality Valence Motivation

Good Grade _____ _____

_______ = _________

Continue Program --------- ---------_ ______

A is for Arthur. Arthur works in a clothing store selling specialty apparel to customers. He receives money for his work and also has a chance to be promoted up the ladder to upper management. Since Arthur is independently wealthy, he really has very little use for the money being offered. What he really wants is to be promoted to store manager. Arthur believes that when he works hard he does a good job. On his last performance evaluation, Arthur was recognized for being the top salesman in the store. For this, he received a large bonus but was passed over for promotion to store manager.

Reward Expectancy Instrumentality Valence Motivation

Money _____ _____

------------- _____ = _----------________

Promotion ______ ______