Which statement best captures the Expectancy Theory?

• A. Motivation strength depends on the perceived link between effort, performance, and rewards (expectancy).
• B. Motivation strength depends on intrinsic enjoyment of work.
• C. Motivation is driven by group norms.
• D. Motivation is independent of outcome expectations.

Answer: (D)

Expectancy theory explains that motivation is a function of beliefs about the links from effort to performance and from performance to outcomes. In other words, how strongly you’re motivated depends on whether you believe that putting in effort will improve performance, that good performance will lead to desirable rewards, and that those rewards are valued. The statement that best captures this is that motivation strength depends on the perceived link between effort, performance, and rewards. This matches the theory’s emphasis on expectancy (effort to performance), instrumentality (performance to outcomes), and valence (value of the outcomes). The other options point to intrinsic enjoyment, group norms, or claim motivation is independent of outcome expectations, which do not align with expectancy theory.