Motivation = Expectancy x (Instrumentality) x Valence. According to the traditional expectation theory, individuals can be motivated towards goals if they believe that there is a positive correlation between efforts and performance, the outcome of a favorable performance will result in a desirable reward, a reward from a performance will satisfy an important need, and/or the outcome satisfies their need enough to make the effort worthwhile. However, employees sometimes do not know how to place efforts in the right way to achieve better performance. The Modified Expectation Theory embeds LEARNING to the traditional one (as shown). Learning is an accelerator in the motivation process and can improve the ability and capability which results in higher efficiency and better performance when employees placing effort. With such improved performance, employees can get more rewards and reach higher satisfaction, followed by more confidence and motivation.

Prof. Larry’s advice:

Superiors should not only just ask subordinates to continue their efforts but should provide training and guidance to employees so that they can be clearer about the goals and feel more confident in reaching better performance with their improved ability.