What does Billy's attitude toward his success illustrate regarding motivation theories?

Billy's attitude toward his success illustrates low instrumentality, which refers to a belief that achieving a desired outcome is contingent upon the performance of specific behaviors. In motivation theories, particularly the Expectancy Theory proposed by Victor Vroom, instrumentality is one of the key components alongside expectancy and valence. When someone exhibits low instrumentality, they may not perceive a strong connection between their efforts and the rewards they receive, which can affect their motivation to pursue certain goals.

In this case, if Billy's attitude reflects a sense that his efforts do not lead to the success he desires or that there is uncertainty about whether achieving his performance will yield the expected rewards, this suggests a lack of instrumentality. This perspective can significantly influence his motivation, as individuals are more likely to be energized and motivated if they believe that their efforts will result in positive outcomes. Understanding how Billy views the relationship between his performance and the rewards of success can provide insight into his overall motivation and engagement with his goals.

The other options—high valence, high expectancy, and positive reinforcement—each represent different aspects of motivation theories but do not accurately capture the essence of Billy’s mindset if he feels that his performance is not linked to successful outcomes.