A cross-cultural test of vroom’s expectancy motivation framework: an australian and a malaysian company in the beauty care industry

Abstract

This study assessed the relevance of Vroom’s expectancy motivational framework in a cross-cultural context. Differences in attitudes for task investment, preferences for work related achievements, and the reward potential of outcomes was assessedwith Australians and Malaysians who were employed in similar work contexts of the beauty care industry. Reasons why the Australian employees reported significantly higher job motivation than the Malaysian respondents were identified by examining the three main components of expectancy, instrumentality and valence, of Vroom’s framework. The study findings are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the necessary organizational development with Australians and Malaysians who were employed in similar work contexts of the beauty care industry. Reasons why the Australian employees reported significantly higher job motivation than the Malaysian respondents were identified by examining the three main components of expectancy, instrumentality and valence, of Vroom's framework. The study findings are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the necessary organizational development of businesses in the competitive Asia-Pacific region.

Citation

Pearson, C.A.L. and Hui, L.T.Y. (2001), "A cross-cultural test of vroom’s expectancy motivation framework: an australian and a malaysian company in the beauty care industry", International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, Vol. 4 No. 3/4, pp. 307-327. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOTB-04-03-04-2001-B006