Social Loafing and Expectancy-Value Theory

Abstract

Expectancy value theory holds that goal-directed behavior is a function of (a) expectations-the belief that performance depends on effort, (b) instrumentality-the belief that outcome depends on performance, and (c) outcome value-the value attached to achieving the outcome. The present research provides a direct test of two factors involved in the instrumentality component: the contingency between individual performance and group performance and the contingency between group performance and group outcome. Experiment 1 revealed that collective participants worked hard when they perceived a contingency between individual performance and group performance. Experiment 2 revealed that collective participants worked hard when they perceived a contingency between group performance and the group outcome. Taken together, the results confirm the importance of high instrumentality in eliminating social loafing.

Positive Group Context, Work Attitudes, and Organizational Misbehavior: The Case of Withholding Job Effort

“…However, if their effort and performance are not connected, i.e., they can attain high performance with less effort, it would be rational to assume they would lower effort levels. Evidence to support this hypothesis was found in a social loafing experiment in which participants increased effort levels when they perceived a significant relationship between their individual performance and the group's performance (Shepperd and Taylor, 1999).…”

A moderate financial incentive can increase effort, but not intelligence test performance in adult volunteers

“…For example, in their model of human information processing task performance, effort was defined by Humphreys and Revelle (1984) as the motivational state of being engaged in, or trying hard at, the completion of a task. According to Shepperd and Taylor's (1999) interpretation, the expectancy dimension of the Expectancy-Value Model represents the perception that performance is contingent upon effort. Finally, the Expectancy-Value Model of achievement motivation (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000) suggests that test-taking performance is a function of performance expectancies and the value attributed to a successful outcome.…”

“…Additionally, Ekl€ of's (2010) model of test performance included testtaking effort as a direct effect. Although to some degree distinct, the expectancy and value dimensions of achievement motivation are expected to be related positively (Shepperd & Taylor, 1999). According to Shepperd and Taylor's (1999) interpretation, the expectancy dimension of the Expectancy-Value Model represents the perception that performance is contingent upon effort.…”

“Don't let the group down”: Facets of instrumentality moderate the motivating effects of groups in a field experiment

“…The general implication of the CEM is that the motivating and demotivating effects of groups are moderated by the relative strength of these components. However, empirical evidence is still needed to demonstrate these different effects (see Shepperd & Taylor, 1999, for an initial demonstration of instrumentality facets as moderators of demotivating group effects).…”