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Expectancy-valence models of work motivation are frequently tested with survey methodology. This paper deals with the reliability and construct validity of various questionnaire measures of expectancy-valence components. Measures of (a) valence, (b) instrumentality, and (c) expectancy were given to a sample of 171 Air Force trainees on two occasions. The results indicated that reliabilities of the three 'components of the model were fairly low and that different measures of the same component were not highly correlated. it. was concluded that using questionnaire measures to test expectancy-valence models is inappropriate until better measures are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expectancy theories of work motivation specify a multiplicative relationship between valence of job outcomes (V) and expectancy (E) that effort will lead to these outcomes. But both E and V are typically measured using scales lacking a rational zero point and thus at best interval in nature. Multiplication of such scales is theoretically not a meaningful operation. This paper demonstrates that transformations of E and V scales which change only the location of the nonmeaningful zero point can greatly alter obtained correlations between E × V and measures work motivation or effort. Two potential solutions to this problem are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]