Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

What is the core principle of Expectancy Theory?

1. People are motivated when they can accomplish tasks

2. People are motivated by their immediate needs

3. People prefer working in teams

4. People respond best to financial incentives

The correct answer is: People are motivated when they can accomplish tasks

Expectancy Theory, developed by Victor Vroom, centers around the idea that individuals are motivated to act in a certain way based on their expectations of the outcomes of their actions. The core principle asserts that people will be motivated to perform if they believe that their efforts will lead to desirable results. This is closely related to the concept that individuals are motivated when they can accomplish tasks, as it emphasizes the relationship between effort, performance, and outcomes. When individuals perceive that their efforts will yield a successful performance, which in turn leads to a favorable reward, they are more likely to be driven to complete those tasks. This framework highlights the importance of belief in one's capabilities and the expected returns of their efforts in shaping motivation, rather than merely focusing on intrinsic needs, team dynamics, or financial incentives.