Expectancy theory
Project Management Professional glossary · Project Management Professional
Definition
Vroom’s model holding that motivational force equals expectancy × instrumentality × valence; any factor at zero produces zero motivation.
Expectancy theory in plain English
Tools don't adopt themselves — people do. A new process lands like a new phone OS: some users are excited, some are lost, some quietly revert. Expectancy theory names a people/change pattern so you diagnose the human blocker instead of yelling "just follow the plan." Hold onto this precise job description: Vroom’s model holding that motivational force equals expectancy × instrumentality × valence; any factor at zero produces zero motivation. On a stem, name whether Expectancy theory is about timing, ownership, measurement, or delivery style — then eliminate the answer that borrows a cousin concept from the wrong phase.
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