Social Foundation of Thought and Action, Essay Example

The expectancy theory of motivation is beneficial because its key constructs consist of valence, expectancy, and instrumentality (Bandura, 1986). Valence is the consideration of the value that is placed on rewards for good work, expectancy is the understanding that dedicated workers will perform better, and instrumentality is the belief that dedicated workers will receive rewards for their efforts. Meanwhile, the equity theory of motivation focuses on a worker’s interactions with his or her environment, thus dealing with social processes (Carrell & Dittrich, 1978). This theory states that workers will become motivated when the organization is able to balance their own contributions and demands with those of their employee. Additionally, Theory X is the assumption that individuals with lower order needs can be managed if a certain set of rules are followed and Theory Y is the assumption that individuals with higher order needs can be managed if a certain set of rules are followed (McGregor, 1960).

The expectancy theory is preferred because a lot of behavioral research has shown that individuals will perform as more effective workers if they are provided with incentive for doing so. Thus, it is essential to inspire workers to perform well, which will in turn make them happy. Traditionally, rewards for good work performance include promotions and raises. When employees have a sense that they are working towards something for themselves, not just their company, they will be more likely to enjoy their work and put fourth effort. Theory X, Theory Y, and Equity Theory fail to filly consider what motivates employees. While the social aspects associated with working a position in addition to the individual needs of employees are important to consider, these efforts alone are not adequate to provide workers with a significant reason to continue to succeed. Workers that feel like they are in dead-end positions are most likely to have the lowest job performance and highest turnover rates.

References

Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundation of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. New    Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

Carrell, M.R., and Dittrich, J.E. (1978). Equity Theory: The Recent Literature, Methodological Considerations, and New Directions. The Academy of Management Review, 3(2): 202- 210.

McGregor, D. (1960). The Human Side of Enterprise. New York, NY: McGrawHill.