Expectancy theory: an exploratory examination of certain valences, instrumentalities, and expectancies of Air Force social workers
Description
A research instrument was designed, pretested and given to randomly selected Air Force Social Workers (AFSWs) in order to assess the utility of expectancy theory in assessing AFSWs': (1) valence (Vk) of and rank order Vk of 15 second-level work role outcomes; (2) most instrumental (Ijk) Performance Standard Rating (PSR), and the extent of the Ijk; (3) expectancy (Ex) that effort expended at work will lead to Ijk PSRs; (4) job motivation (E); (5) job satisfaction as derived from the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), and expectancy theory's valence of work role (Vj) model; and (6) background characteristics. Data analysis indicated: (1) a significant association between AFSWs' rank ordering of work role outcomes; (2) AFSWs prefer outcomes affecting them personally and professionally; (3) the PSRs are not perceived as Ijk for attaining outcomes; (4) low Ijk scores lowered AFSWs' Vj scores, and low Vj scores lowered AFSWs' E scores; (5) AFSWs are satisfied with their supervisor, but dissatisfied with their subordinate status, pay, promotions, and work roles; (6) significant differences between AFSWs' JDI scores; (7) differences exist between AFSWs' E and Vj scores along variables of age, sex, rank, education, organizational levels, supervisory classifications, prior military social work related experience, prior military service, and prior civilian social work experience; (8) outcomes dependent on organizational policy are job demotivators and dissatisfiers; (9) AFSWs maintain identity with the social work profession; and (10) expectancy theory has utility for assessing AFSWs E and Vj. Implications for the Air Force involves restructuring AFSWs' role status and providing them with equitable rewards. Implications for the social work profession, social work education and AFSW involves a more active advocacy role for professional autonomy and equitable rewards for their social work members