What aspect does the Expectancy Theory primarily focus on?

Expectancy Theory centers on the concept of motivation, specifically examining how individuals' beliefs about their abilities and the outcomes of their actions influence their level of effort and engagement. The fundamental premise is that people are motivated to act in a certain way based on their expectations that their actions will lead to desirable outcomes. This theory posits that an individual evaluates the likelihood of achieving a specific result and weighs this against the possible rewards.

In this context, the emphasis is on the relationship between effort, performance, and expected outcomes. If individuals believe that their efforts will lead to successful performance and that this performance will result in valued rewards, they are more likely to be motivated to exert that effort. Therefore, the aspect that the Expectancy Theory primarily focuses on is the likelihood of obtaining desired outcomes, as it outlines how expectations shape motivation and drive behavior in various situations, particularly within organizational settings.