What does the term 'valence' refer to in expectancy theory of motivation?

In the context of expectancy theory of motivation, 'valence' refers to the subjective value an individual places on a reward. It reflects how much a person values the potential outcome of their efforts, essentially indicating the attractiveness of the reward to that individual. This subjective evaluation plays a crucial role in motivating behavior; if the reward is seen as desirable and valuable, the individual is more likely to exert effort towards achieving it.

This concept is integral to expectancy theory, which asserts that motivation is a function of individuals’ expectations about their ability to perform tasks and achieve desired rewards. The greater the valence, the more motivated a person is likely to be to pursue the associated goals. Thus, understanding valence allows organizations to tailor rewards that resonate with employees’ values, enhancing overall motivation and performance.