Expectancy Theory

Theoretical Background

Sigh. Somehow, we tell ourselves what we want to hear, because it simply makes us feel better and continue to believe the words ringing in our mind that sometimes we can make movies into reality. The way of life, is how we see it, and at times we refuse to look at the bigger picture because it haunts us and we often fear the results of failure and rejections.

The calling of the Vroom's expectancy theory of motivation indicates to us that we should constantly adjust our personal perceived expectations so that we can continue to live in a more realistic society. Say, having a higher expectation of something, would greatly increase the motivator's effort and interest but however, it may cause heavier downfall implications when the expectations are not met dearly.

Expectation should be probably calibrated in view of the various user analysis. It is often important to analyze the situation and try to link the society into a nice puzzle which maps out the entire decision making process. One of the best indicator is probably the analysis of historical influences and events. Although they are often lagged indicators, they serve as ways in which one can understand the situational or personal behavior, thus expectations can be further calibrated accurately. Once expectations are well adjusted, the impact of the results would most likely be less harmful and somewhat predictable.

Application Perspective

Yes, in theory, expectation adjustments are said to be really easy but there are situations whereby you can become too immense in a situation, that you tend to focus on the failure pillars and overlook the bigger picture.

In my case, I've been on this relationship road for over 4 years and going to 5. I never knew what hindered me from achieving the goal, until today. I guess, I was talking it out, like what men should do, rather than be all shy and enclosed about. This is what differentiates men from women. Women have always formed a good coalition with one another, thus improving themselves greatly and thus gaining greater power and stronger bonds. Unlike women, men do not stick to networks or groups, due to the belief of personal shyness, pride issues or even the risk of personal power. That's all true, and yes it has become a norm, so can we ever break this ideology?

As I was saying, after analyzing my situation, it became a little clearer to me, especially after I had laid the points out on the table. It became crystal clear that there was a social class dissonance in motion here and I had overlooked it. I guess reviewing the opposition's past relations, have made me realize a trend (trend analysis), that the opposition's target was of a lower standard social class, and I for one, being on par/ or higher class is perceived to be out of the picture or even threatening. Being natures of the wild, we often wish to dominate or control a particular situation to meet our favor or even feel intrinsically better.

I feel rather disgusted by this fact, but since its a fact, it is only acceptable that I shift my personal expectations to meet such circumstances. One of the biggest threats in life is often fatal attractions and somehow you have to sit back and tell yourself that sometimes not everything can be controlled or acquired under your possession, but rather think about how shallow you and the opposition have become in a way that creates unnecessary barriers for one another.

I'm not saying I'm easy on giving things up but yes 5 years, is enough to confirm my intention. Somehow, I've adjusted my expectations so much that it has become pointless to even make an impression since effort is put in but personally the inner mentality expects nothing less than a failed attempt, so the question is why do I even bother trying?

Other Evaluations

The pursuit for love and affection has gotten me so far, and yet so out of the way in search of a desirable light which hopefully would shine back on me when the time comes. Nevertheless, perhaps the expectation theory may be wrong. Seeing that expectations often result in the adjustment of personal behavior, it creates unnecessary change in mindset and perceptions which normally is shaped around assumptions and other biasness.

A theory put in practice, only shows its validity but its reliability is often uncertain. I guess sometimes its good to keep an open-mind about situations in which promises good expectations while risky situations, its often best to adjust to a level which does not create heavy disappointments on one's morale.

To sum it up, my efforts for these 5 years have been messed up. I guess its the improper judgment from my side with the lack of effort to strive to show a visible effort to the opposition, so that it will actually take my effort seriously. My on-and-off presence has indicated the lack of commitment and poor timely response to the opposition's needs, thus leaving me with the shorter end of the stick and a note saying..."Nice try!".

"Expectations shape the perceived end results, the actual disappointment levels, the behavior and as well as the level of effort exerted." - frostdude