The answer is b.) Positive valence
Negative valence refers to the negative value or dissatisfaction an individual associates with a particular outcome. In this scenario, employees are putting in extra effort and seeking professional development opportunities because they believe promotions will enhance their careers and financial rewards, which indicates a positive association rather than a negative one.
Positive valence refers to the positive value or satisfaction an individual associates with a particular outcome. In this case, employees believe that promotions will lead to career enhancement and financial rewards, which are desirable outcomes. Therefore, their efforts are driven by the positive valence they associate with the potential promotions.
Performance-outcome expectancy is the belief that a certain level of performance will lead to a specific outcome. While this concept is relevant, the scenario specifically highlights the positive value (valence) employees place on the outcome (promotions), rather than the belief in the performance-outcome relationship.
Effort-performance expectancy is the belief that putting in effort will lead to the desired level of performance. Although this is part of the overall expectancy theory, the scenario focuses more on the positive value (valence) of the outcome (promotions) rather than the effort-performance relationship.
Therefore, the best response that reflects this scenario according to expectancy theory is positive valence.