Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What equation represents Vroom's expectancy theory of motivation?

1. Motivating force = Valence x Expectation

2. Motivating force = Reward x Effort

3. Motivating force = Needs x Goals

4. Motivating force = Expectation + Evaluation

The correct answer is: Motivating force = Valence x Expectation

Vroom's expectancy theory of motivation is encapsulated in the equation that reflects the concept of how individuals are motivated to act based on their expectations of the outcome. The correct answer articulates this relationship through the components of valence, expectation, and the motivating force. In this context, valence represents the value or significance an individual places on the expected reward, expectation refers to the belief that effort will lead to the desired performance level, and the motivating force is the overall drive to exert effort toward achieving a goal. By multiplying valence and expectation, the equation emphasizes that motivation is not just about the reward but also about the individual's belief in their ability to achieve it and the desirability of the outcome. This equation effectively illustrates the interaction between an individual’s perception of the expected rewards based on their efforts and the value they assign to those rewards, making it a core component of Vroom's theory on motivation in the workplace. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent this specific relationship, as they either mix concepts or do not align with the foundational principles of Vroom's framework for understanding how motivation works.