The manager who tells an employee "I'll recommend you for a promotion if you implement the new system by January" is attempting to strengthen which expectancy theory component?

A) Instrumentality
B) Valence of second-level outcomes
C) Expectancy
D) Needs
E) Relatedness

Instrumentality refers to the belief that a particular level of performance will lead to the attainment of a desired outcome. In this scenario, the manager is directly linking the employee's performance (implementing the new system by January) with a positive outcome (recommendation for a promotion), thereby strengthening the instrumentality component of expectancy theory.