#55: Expectations can influence behavior

At this time of year we wonder whether we’ve been good enough to expect a reward from the jolly fat man in the corner office. So it’s a good time to remind you that expectations can influence behavior.

‘Expectation’ has two meanings: likely-to-happen and ought-to-happen. Often in organizations, likely-to-happen outweighs ought-to-happen. In other words, a manager knows what behavior is required, but believes that inappropriate behavior is more likely to occur.

This can cause a vicious cycle: A manager’s expectations of how a subordinate will behave can determine how the manager treats that subordinate. In turn, that treatment will affect how the subordinate responds, which then reinforces the manager’s expectation.

The good news is that the cycle can also reinforce good behavior. The bad news? Whatever reward you expect, it’s not necessarily your fault. But maybe, in your case, that’s good news.

I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2006 James Henry McIntosh

James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
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