Which of the following is a key element of expectancy theory?

Expectancy theory, developed by Victor Vroom, posits that individuals are motivated to act in a certain way based on the expected outcomes of their actions. A fundamental premise of this theory is the role of perceived rewards, which are seen as essential for motivating behavior. When individuals believe that their efforts will lead to desired rewards, they are more likely to engage in the behaviors necessary to achieve those rewards. Essentially, expectancy theory emphasizes the connection between effort, performance, and the probability of attaining valued outcomes.

While team collaboration, past behaviors, and urgency of tasks can influence motivation to some degree, they are not primary components of expectancy theory itself. Team collaboration might improve performance or the work environment but does not directly relate to how expectations shape motivation according to this theory. Past behaviors may influence future actions but are not a core element of the expectancy model. Similarly, urgency of tasks could impact focus or prioritization, yet it does not inherently connect the individual's belief regarding the likelihood of achieving rewards. Therefore, the concept of perceived rewards is critical in understanding how expectancy theory explains motivation in organizational contexts.