In this week’s lecture videos, we have introduced multiple motivation theories (e.g., Vroom’s expectancy theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and Herzberg’s two-factor theory). For this activity, we are focusing on the Expectancy theory, but not limited to Vroom’s thoughts.
Below is an excerpt from Waring (2015).
In expectancy theory, the strength of a particular motivation attributed by an individual to an expected outcome of a relevant decision or choice is the product of valence (the value attributed by the individual to the desired outcome), instrumentality (the individual’s judgment of the effectiveness of the proposed method of attainment), and expectancy (the individual’s expectation that the desired outcome will result).
Based on the Expectancy theory, what questions should a manager ask themselves when creating a reward that can lead to motivation? Imagine yourself being a manager at a hotel property. You are asked to create a reward system (e.g., employee-of-the-moth) that can motivate the employees. What characteristics do you need to consider to create a successful reward system?
Either write three questions that you would ask yourself or three characteristics of a successful reward system.
Examples:
QuestionsWhat do my employees value most in terms of rewards? (e.g., monetary bonuses, recognition, additional time off)
How can I ensure that the reward is perceived as directly linked to their performance?
CharacteristicsClear and specific performance criteria.
Transparent communication of how performance is measured.
References
Steers, R. M., Mowday, R. T., & Shapiro, D. L. (2004). Introduction to Special Topic Forum: The Future of Work Motivation Theory. The Academy of Management Review, 29(3), 379–387. https://doi.org/10.2307/20159049Links to an external site.(permalink)
Waring, A. (2015). Managerial and non-technical factors in the development of human-created disasters: A review and research agenda. Safety Science, 79, 254–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2015.06.015Links to an external site.(permalinkLinks to an external site.)