I am learning so very much each and every day and I am always evolving. There is something to be said about internal growth. My journey has been absolutely amazing with lots of twists and turns. Do I expect great results based on my motivation? Yes, I do!
This week we are discussing an interesting topic about the hard work we put in, where are efforts go, and what we expect the results should be. The expectancy theory of motivation to be more precise. This topic is great for managers and how to motivate their people. Parents can also make note! HA
Expectancy theory: an individual will behave or act in a certain way because they are motivated to select a specific behavior over others due to what they expect the result of that selected behavior will be. In essence, the motivation of the behavior selection is determined by the desirability of the outcome. However, at the core of the theory is the cognitive process of how an individual processes the different motivational elements. This is done before making the ultimate choice. (source: wiki)
The expectancy theory of motivation was uncovered by Victor Vroom in 1964. Vroom was a Psychology Professor at Yale. The importance of this is that it can afford managers the ability to incentivize their employees based on each individual’s desire. What motivates them?
As any good manager knows we must get to know what our employees strive for in the work place. Is it recognition by praise, reward of higher wage, or even promotions. We need to learn how to motivate our people in good ways. If the employee doesn’t expect that if they put in the work they will get the outcome they want, they more than likely wont perform at peak levels.
The happier your employees are in the workplace the better results we can achieve. Additionally, rewarding our employees the way they deserve leads to job loyalty and satisfaction. Managers today don’t seem to find this of value the way they should. Of course, as we know, employees are only as good as the managers, and the managers are only as good as the company owner.
The mindset is the most important thing for any company to be successful. Companies need to stop draining and taking advantage of their good employees, or anyone for that matter. They need to understand fully that if the expectancy of the employee is low then so will be the motivation or lack there of. This reduces work place satisfaction and progress.
Talk with your people and learn about them. This will go a long way towards having quality employees that will give their all and reward them as such. They put in the effort and achieve the goals set forth which means their performance is high. High performers will continue to rise to the role if we can continue to nurture them along the way. Reward the goodness.
Expectancy theory of motivation is a very complex model so I just gave you the breeze over of it to get a general understanding of its importance. Workplaces should be healthy and productive for all. Team work makes the dream work!
Conclusion
The expectancy theory of motivation is a great business model because it affords everyone involved the opportunity to thrive in a workplace environment. When this happens people become more creative, more productive, and happy. This is a great formula for success of any corporation. Pass it on!