Guide to Management Theory of Victor Vroom

Vroom's motivation theory provides a framework for inspirational leadership
By Jeanne Dininni

Victor Vroom is perhaps most famous for his work with Expectancy Theory, which forms the basis for his motivational model. Vroom's version of Expectancy Theory grew from the premise that employee performance depends on a number of complex, interrelated factors (i.e., personality, skills, knowledge, experience and ability). Expectancy Theory is built on the relationship between three concepts: Valence (the value an employee places on a specific reward or outcome), Instrumentality (the likelihood that a particular action will lead to a desired outcome), and Expectancy (the belief that effort will lead to the successful completion of an action which will achieve the desired outcome). Through understanding the dynamics of this theory, managers become better able to meet employees' needs, facilitating the completion of the Expectancy cycle.

Another contribution Vroom made to management theory was his Leadership Model, which sets forth five leadership styles managers may use for decision-making. The five styles follow.

1. Autocratic 1: In the first style of Vroom's theory, the manager makes decisions with already available information.

2. Autocratic 2: Manager seeks additional information from the group before making decisions.

3. Consultative 1: Manager consults individual employees before making decisions.

4. Consultative 2: Manager consults the group before making decisions.

5. Group 2: Manager acts as chair, allowing the group to make decisions.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the concepts of Victor Vroom's management theory Numerous websites provide valuable information about Vroom's theory. In addition to diagrams and summaries of Vroom's Expectancy Theory, you'll find various videos and instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put the management theory of Victor Vroom to work for your company.

I recommend: For a quick overview of Victor Vroom Expectancy Theory, visit QuickMBA. Scribd also offers a 47-page PowerPoint presentation on Motivation Theory, including a substantial section on Vroom's Expectancy Theory of Motivation. Westbrook-Stevens, LLC, offers a workshop on The Seven Attributes of Excellent Management, based on Vroom motivational theory. The website provides a course outline and describes the major principles taught in the workshop, which is based on the book Geronimo Stone (available as a free e-book) by Craig Stevens, who teaches the workshop.

Seek guidance for incorporating Vroom theory into your management program Consultants with knowledge and experience in the management theory of Victor Vroom can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: HR Consultants, Inc., provides management and HR consulting services that can help you apply the principles of Vroom's motivation theory. Hayes Management Consulting offers consulting services which are based on Vroom management theory and aimed at the healthcare industry.

Take advantage of resources designed to help you make the most of Vroom's theory Widely available online tools and resources can help you more easily implement Vroom's management principles. Videos, tables, surveys and other sources of information and services related to Victor Vroom's motivation theories let you choose the resources most valuable to your business.

I recommend: ACCEL Team offers its Supervisor's Guide to Employee Motivation, which includes an explanation of Vroom Theory. The Guide can be accessed online or purchased as a PDF file. The downloadable PDF file contains a number of helpful tools, including checklists, tables, graphics and a survey. In addition to its consulting services, HR Consultants also offers an online curriculum which can prepare your managers to lead and motivate employees. The company's website offers a Leadership Video Demo. Free Management Library offers an online learning module called Basic Skills in Management and Leadership, which includes Vroom's leadership theory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

You'll likely find the many facets of Victor Vroom's management theory fascinating, as you delve more deeply into it. Take advantage of as many Vroom-related online resources as you can. It will be well worth your while, as you learn to put his Leadership and Expectancy theories into practice to help your company mature.