Motivation and Expectancy Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews and challenges the underlying assumptions of expectancy theory as proposed by Vroom and expanded upon by others, contextualizing expectancy theory into the classic science fiction novel 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' as a means of illustrating a serious logical fallacy embedded within expectancy theory. Through doing so, this paper demonstrates that while the expectancy theory is rationally sound and therefore can be used to critically define and describe many aspects of human motivation, the irrationality of human behavior makes it difficult to critically apply expectancy theory in a manner which guarantees successful prediction of behavior or decisions.

From the Paper:

" I. Introduction Expectancy theory was first developed by Victor Vroom as an expanded, divergent investigation into motivational theory and research. Vroom's concept of motivation identified that all individuals have innate goals and expectations which they explore within the confines of a given environmental setting, and that the individual is motivated to achieve their goals when they rationalize that the work expended to do so is validated by the rewards inherent within the goal. "

More papers on Motivation and Expectancy Theory:

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