Chapter 6 Using the path-goal approach, expectancy theory suggests that ____________

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the path-goal approach and expectancy theory in relation to motivation, so we need to map the idea to what those theories propose.
First, consider what expectancy theory says: motivation is highest when a person believes that their effort will lead to good performance (effort -> performance), that good performance will lead to valued outcomes (instrumentality), and that those outcomes are personally desirable (valence). In essence, people are motivated when they see a clear link from what they do to a valued payoff.
The provided statement, 'Followers are motivated if they think completing a task will result in a valuable payoff,' aligns with the valence component of expectancy theory: it emphasizes that the payoff or outcome needs to be valuable to the follower for motivation to occur. This captures the core idea that the desirability of outcomes drives motivation, which is a central piece of expectancy theory.
However, several nuances deserve attention. Path-goal theory specifically emphasizes a leader’s role in clarifying the path to the goal and removing obstacles, thereby increasing perceived expectancy (the belief that effort will lead to performance) and instrumentality (the belief that performance will lead to the payoff). The statement as given centers on the payoff's value but does not mention the need for a clear path or for reducing impediments, which are key leader behaviors in path-goal theory.
Additionally, expectancy theory includes both expectancy (effort to performance) and instrumentality (performance to outcome). The statement mentions the payoff but does not explicitly reference whether the individual believes their effort will actually improve performance or whether the performance will reliably yield the desired payoff. In practice, someone might value a payoff yet doubt that their effort will achieve the necessary performance or doubt that the outcome will follow from performance, which would diminish motivation.
From a conceptual standpoint, the statement captures an essential element of expectancy theory—the desirability of the payoff as a motivator. This reflects the 'valence' aspect and the general idea that a valuable payoff motivates behavior. Yet, to fully describe expectancy theory or path-goal dynamics, one would also discuss the likelihood that effort leads to performance (expectancy) and that performance leads to the payoff (instrumentality), as well as how a leader can influence these perceptions through guidance, support, and obstacle removal.
In sum, the statement identifies a core motivational driver described by expectancy theory—the value attached to the payoff from completing a task—but it omits other critical components required for a complete explanation under the theory and under path-goal considerations about leader influence on perceived paths to success.

ALED-340:901,903,904,905,907,908,931,932 ALED 340-Exam #2

Chapter 6 Using the path-goal approach, expectancy theory suggests that ____________

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