Applying “Expectancy Theory” to Surgical Residency Training
Start Date
5-19-2012 2:30 PM
End Date
5-19-2012 2:45 PM
Description
Expectancy Theory is a well known theory in work motivation literature. It was first proposed by Victor Vroom in 1964 after studying the motivations behind individuals’ decision making. Expectancy Theory holds that a person’s choice to behave in a certain way reflects the belief that chosen actions will result in desired outcomes. Expectancy Theory is parsed of three components: Expectancy (E), Instrumentality (I) and Valence (V). Expectancy (E) is the belief that performance goals will be met if appropriate efforts are applied. Instrumentality (I) denotes an expectation that rewards will follow if defined performance outcomes are met. Valence (V) refers to the value an individual places on the reward being given. Expectancy Theory involves an interaction between these components, summing in a Motivational Force (MF). Namely, E x I x V = MF. Thus, as viewed by Expectancy Theory, MF will be affected by changes in performance expectations, recognition of goal achievements, and valuations of declared rewards.
Interestingly, the traditional work-place organizational structure is in many ways analogous to contemporary surgical residency training in theUnited States. Examples include varied work assignments in the workplace being similar to varied clinical rotation assignments during residency; promotions offered in the workplace likened to training year advancement in residency; and the work-place hierarchy (e.g. employee to manager) akin to the hospital hierarchy (e.g. intern to department head). Many other similarities exist as well. These analogies between work-place organizational structure and surgical residency are significant as we propose the application of Expectancy Theory to surgical residency training. What follows are opportunities for greater insight into surgical resident MF, as well as the potential to enhance surgical residency training and performance.
Learning Objectives:
1. To understand "Expectancy Theory" and its relevance to adult learning
2. To understand the application of "Expectancy Theory" to surgical residency education
3. To understand factors affecting motivation in adult learners
4. To understand "Expectancy Theory," and "Motivational Force" in enhancing surgical resident training
Applying “Expectancy Theory” to Surgical Residency Training
Expectancy Theory is a well known theory in work motivation literature. It was first proposed by Victor Vroom in 1964 after studying the motivations behind individuals’ decision making. Expectancy Theory holds that a person’s choice to behave in a certain way reflects the belief that chosen actions will result in desired outcomes. Expectancy Theory is parsed of three components: Expectancy (E), Instrumentality (I) and Valence (V). Expectancy (E) is the belief that performance goals will be met if appropriate efforts are applied. Instrumentality (I) denotes an expectation that rewards will follow if defined performance outcomes are met. Valence (V) refers to the value an individual places on the reward being given. Expectancy Theory involves an interaction between these components, summing in a Motivational Force (MF). Namely, E x I x V = MF. Thus, as viewed by Expectancy Theory, MF will be affected by changes in performance expectations, recognition of goal achievements, and valuations of declared rewards.
Interestingly, the traditional work-place organizational structure is in many ways analogous to contemporary surgical residency training in theUnited States. Examples include varied work assignments in the workplace being similar to varied clinical rotation assignments during residency; promotions offered in the workplace likened to training year advancement in residency; and the work-place hierarchy (e.g. employee to manager) akin to the hospital hierarchy (e.g. intern to department head). Many other similarities exist as well. These analogies between work-place organizational structure and surgical residency are significant as we propose the application of Expectancy Theory to surgical residency training. What follows are opportunities for greater insight into surgical resident MF, as well as the potential to enhance surgical residency training and performance.
Learning Objectives:
1. To understand "Expectancy Theory" and its relevance to adult learning
2. To understand the application of "Expectancy Theory" to surgical residency education
3. To understand factors affecting motivation in adult learners
4. To understand "Expectancy Theory," and "Motivational Force" in enhancing surgical resident training
