Vroom’s Expectancy Theory and Self-Determination Theory

Topic: Sociology Words: 529 Pages: 2 Nov 5, 2022

I have ranked Vroom’s Expectancy Theory as number 1 because I agree that the expectation of the outcome is the strongest factor that can move individuals to action. I believe that motivation is closely connected to habits, as motivation to do something regularly leads to creating firmly established habits. However, to be driven to do it one needs to think of the result as pleasant or favorable. That is why reward is the last crucial element of the habit loop, following the cue and the routine, which can only be completed if the reward is strong enough for an individual to repeat the loop over and over.

Reward may not only be essential for being motivated when it comes to habits and the process of developing them. With the majority of singular actions, people are motivated by the result as well. The thought of the reward moves them toward completing the action even when the routine 2 itself is not enjoyable or attractive. Expectancy theory can fit into the frameworks of other theories as well. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory is one of such examples. While individuals may indeed give priority to satisfying their basic needs before they have social and self-actualization ones, it cannot be denied that all their actions are driven by the desire to achieve the reward.

In my opinion, self-determination theory resembles Covey’s explanation of motivation, or the “8 th Habit”, more than others. This is mainly because both approaches rely on one’s internal sources of motivation. Covey claims that individuals should listen to the confirming inner voice of their conscience to find out what they really want to do (Covey, 2013). Only by examining their natural talent, one can find their voice, something that interests them and makes them happy.

Like Covey’s 8th Habit, self-determination theory suggests that people are best motivated to grow by intrinsic factors. There are two main assumptions the theory presents; first, it emphasizes the importance of developing “a sense of self”, inherent to all people. Second, it acknowledges the importance of autonomous motivation as opposed to the motivation by external rewards, such as money or fame. Within self-determination theory, intrinsic motivation is what can encourage an individual to act.

Moreover, according to self-determination theory, connection, or relatedness, is a major factor contributing to achieving personal growth. Apart from feeling in control of their actions and decisions, people need to have a sense of belonging. It can be suggested that Covey’s message to “inspire others to find their voice” is based on the importance of one’s sense of attachment to other people as well (Covey, 2013, p. 12). Providing leadership and help to those who may need it, an individual gives them that sense of belonging and attachment that both theories consider necessary for psychological growth.

Finally, both theories admit that while “finding your voice” is a crucial step to find motivation, set important goals and act according to one’s values, the growth does not happen by itself. Constant sustenance and commitment is required to achieve organizational greatness discussed in Covey’s book. Combined with these qualities, the concept on intrinsic motivation is considered by both theories to ensure successful growth.

References

Covey, S. R. (2013). The 8th habit: From I have ranked Vroom’s Expectancy Theory as number 1 because I agree that the expectation of the outcome is the strongest factor that can move individuals to action. I believe that motivation is closely connected to habits, as motivation to do something regularly leads to creating firmly established habits. However, to be driven to do it one needs to think of the result as pleasant or favorable. That is why the reward is the last crucial element of the habit loop, following the cue and the routine, which can only be completed if the reward is strong enough for an individual to repeat the loop over and over.

The reward may not only be essential for being motivated when it comes to habits and the process of developing them. With the majority of singular actions, people are motivated by the result as well. The thought of the reward moves them toward completing the action even when routine 2 itself is not enjoyable or attractive. Expectancy theory can fit into the frameworks of other theories as well. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory is one such example. While individuals may indeed give priority to satisfying their basic needs before they have social and self-actualization ones, it cannot be denied that all their actions are driven by the desire to achieve the reward.

In my opinion, self-determination theory resembles Covey’s explanation of motivation, or the “8th Habit”, more than others. This is mainly because both approaches rely on one’s internal sources of motivation. Covey claims that individuals should listen to the confirming inner voice of their conscience to find out what they want to do (Covey, 2013). Only by examining their natural talent, one can find their voice, something that interests them and makes them happy.

Finally, both theories admit that while “finding your voice” is a crucial step to finding motivation, setting important goals, and acting according to one’s values, the growth does not happen by itself. Constant sustenance and commitment are required to achieve organizational greatness discussed in Covey’s book. Combined with these qualities, the concept of intrinsic motivation is considered by both theories to ensure successful growth. effectiveness to greatness. Simon & Schuster.