What does valence refer to in the context of individual behavior?

Valence refers to the strength of an individual's desire for a particular outcome. In motivational theory, particularly in the context of expectancy theory, valence signifies the value or attractiveness that an individual places on various outcomes. It highlights how desirable or valuable a person perceives a potential reward or result. For example, if an employee values recognition and promotion highly, their valence regarding these outcomes will be strong. This concept is crucial when understanding what drives individual motivation and behavior in the workplace.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of organizational behavior; authority relates to hierarchy, performance evaluations pertain to assessing employee contributions, and social dynamics involve interpersonal relationships within teams. Understanding valence is essential for creating motivational strategies that align with employee aspirations and lead to higher satisfaction and productivity.