Which theory reflects the belief that a person's effort will lead to performance?

Expectancy Theory is centered around the notion that individuals are motivated to act based on their expectations that their efforts will lead to desired performance outcomes. It posits that employees are more likely to put in effort when they believe that their work will result in a good performance, which in turn leads to rewards they value. This theory emphasizes the cognitive processes involved in motivation, specifically focusing on the belief that effort will lead to a certain level of performance, which is then associated with specific outcomes, such as rewards or recognition.

In contrast, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs categorizes human needs and suggests that motivation arises from the desire to fulfill these needs sequentially, rather than specifically linking effort to performance. Equity Theory focuses on the concept of fairness in the workplace and how perceived inequities can affect motivation, while Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory distinguishes between hygiene factors and motivators, suggesting that different factors contribute to job satisfaction and dissatisfaction without a direct emphasis on the relationship between effort and performance. Thus, Expectancy Theory specifically addresses the causal link between the effort exerted and the performance outcomes that result from that effort.