Question 1

Which of the following statements about expectancy theory is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory is not a drive-based theory of motivation. It is a cognitive theory that focuses on the thought processes that underlie motivation, specifically how individuals make decisions about their behavior based on their perceptions of the relationships between effort, performance, and outcomes.

Question 2

Which of the following actions would increase employee motivation mainly by enhancing their effort-to-performance expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing effort-to-performance expectancy involves communicating to employees that they have the ability and resources to perform the task successfully. Letting employees know that their chances of performing successfully are good will increase their belief in their ability to perform well and therefore their motivation. Convince employees that poor performance will not be rewarded would increase the valence of the outcome, but it wouldn't necessarily enhance effort-to-performance expectancy. Measuring performance more accurately could increase the accuracy of feedback, but it wouldn't affect effort-to-performance expectancy. Rewarding employees with things they value would increase the valence of the outcome, but again, it wouldn't necessarily enhance effort-to-performance expectancy.

Question 3

In expectancy theory,valence refers to the:

Accepted Answer

In expectancy theory, valence refers to the anticipated satisfaction or dissatisfaction that an individual feels towards an outcome. It is the value or importance an individual places on the rewards or outcomes they expect to receive as a result of their performance.

Question 4

According to expectancy theory,providing counseling and coaching to an employee who lacks self-confidence is most likely to increase the employee's:

Accepted Answer

E-to-P expectancy, or the belief that effort will lead to performance, is not likely to be increased by counseling and coaching on self-confidence. Rather, by increasing an employee's self-confidence, they are more likely to believe that their performance (P) will lead to positive outcomes or rewards (O), thus increasing their belief in P-to-O expectancy.

Question 5

Which motivation theory considers the individual's perceived probability that his or her effort will result in a particular level of performance?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory proposes that an individual's motivation depends on the perceived probability that his or her effort will lead to a particular level of performance. It suggests that individuals are motivated to put in effort when they believe that effort will result in good performance, and that good performance will result in desired outcomes or rewards. Therefore, expectancy theory fits the description of the motivation theory that considers the individual's perceived probability of performance.

Question 6

According to expectancy theory,linking valued rewards to higher job performance mainly increases motivation by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to expectancy theory,linking valued rewards to...

Question 7

Individualizing rewards enhances which expectancy theory component?

Accepted Answer

Individualizing rewards enhances the valences of outcomes component of expectancy theory. By tailoring rewards to an individual's preferences and needs, the perceived value of the reward increases, which in turn increases motivation to perform well to receive that specific reward.

Question 8

To increase goal performance,employees should participate in the goal-setting process:

Accepted Answer

Employees should participate in the goal-setting process when they would otherwise lack commitment to those goals (option A), and when they possess knowledge that would improve goal quality (option C). By involving employees in the goal-setting process, they become more invested and committed to achieving those goals, which can increase goal performance. Additionally, employees often have insights and ideas related to their roles that managers may not be aware of, which can lead to better quality goals and ultimately better performance. Option B is incorrect, as supervisors should not necessarily have control over setting goals if they want to promote employee buy-in and commitment. Option D is also incorrect since participation can strengthen the effectiveness of goal setting, rather than weaken it.

Question 9

Goal setting influences employee behavior and performance mainly by improving:

Accepted Answer

Goal setting is a powerful motivator as it helps individuals to focus their efforts towards achieving specific objectives. By setting challenging and achievable goals, employees are motivated to improve their performance and put in the effort to reach their targets. When goals are clearly defined, employees can understand their roles and responsibilities within the organization, leading to better role perceptions. Additionally, goal setting can help employees develop new skills and competencies, improving their aptitudes. However, the main influence of goal setting is on motivation and role perceptions, making option C the best choice.

Question 10

One way to increase employee motivation by improving the P-to-O expectancies is to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of One way to increase employee motivation by...

Question 11

According to expectancy theory,a reward that is not wanted has:

Accepted Answer

According to expectancy theory, an individual's motivation is based on three factors: expectancy (the belief that effort will lead to high performance), instrumentality (the belief that high performance will lead to rewards), and valence (the value an individual places on the rewards). If a reward is not wanted, it has a negative outcome valence, which decreases the overall motivation to work towards that reward. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Question 12

Employees who believe that accomplishing a particular task will almost certainly result in a day off with pay would have:

Accepted Answer

P-to-O expectancy refers to the perceived relationship between performance and outcomes. A P-to-O expectancy close to 1:0 means that the employee believes that high levels of performance will almost certainly lead to the desired outcome (in this case, a day off with pay).

Question 13

An individual's perceived probability that a particular level of effort will result in a particular level of performance refers to the:

Accepted Answer

The E-to-P expectancy refers to an individual's belief about the relationship between effort and performance. It is the perceived probability that a specific level of effort will result in a specific level of performance.

Question 14

According to expectancy theory,which of the following actions would NOT alter outcome valences?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory suggests that outcome valences can be altered through three factors: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Expectancy relates to the employee's belief that their effort will lead to good performance. Instrumentality is their belief that good performance will result in the desired outcome. Valence is the value they place on that outcome. Showing employees how their skills can accomplish the task relates to expectancy, not valence, and therefore would not alter outcome valences.

Question 15

Goal setting is most effective when:

Accepted Answer

Goal setting is most effective when the goals challenge and stretch the employee's abilities and motivation, as this encourages engagement and effort. Specific rather than general goals provide clear direction and measurable outcomes, making it easier to track progress and achieve success. Involving employees in the goal-setting process can also increase their commitment and motivation.

Question 16

Employee motivation tends to increase when people are assigned to jobs for which they are qualified and they receive coaching to improve their self-confidence.Both of these practices improve employee motivation by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Employee motivation tends to increase when people...

Question 17

According to expectancy theory,a skill-development training program would:

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to expectancy theory,a skill-development training program...

Question 18

Expectancy theory mainly explains how employees:

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory suggests that employees will be motivated when they have a clear understanding of the relationship between their effort, performance, and reward outcomes. This means that employees will put in more effort if they believe it will lead to better performance, which in turn will lead to greater rewards or outcomes. Expectancy theory also suggests that employees will have different levels of work effort based on their expectations of performance and reward outcomes. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it accurately describes how employees are motivated according to expectancy theory.

Question 19

The optimal level of goal

Accepted Answer

The optimal level of goal should be challenging but not impossible. If the goal is too easy, it won't motivate the employee to work harder, and if it is impossible, it will discourage the employee. Therefore, the best option is when the goal is challenging, but achievable with effort and skill. The other options are not necessarily true or are too extreme.

Question 20

ABC Corp.introduced a training program that ensured everyone had the required knowledge and skills to perform the work.The company also brought in a performance-based reward system that accurately identified employees who performed better than others.According to expectancy theory,these practices improve employee motivation by:

Accepted Answer

According to expectancy theory, motivation increases when individuals have a belief that their effort will lead to improved performance (E-to-P expectancy) and that performance will lead to desired outcomes (P-to-O expectancy). By introducing a training program that improves employees' knowledge and skills, the company is improving their E-to-P expectancy. By implementing a performance-based reward system, the company is improving employees' P-to-O expectancy. Therefore, the combination of these practices is likely to improve employee motivation.

Quiz 5: Motivation in the Workplace