| This dissertation research study evaluated empirical evidence related to the motivation of individuals during a kaizen blitz event from Eccles and Wigfield's expectancy-value perspective. Through a review of the literature, the process of kaizen blitz was shown to fit, theoretically, within the expectancy-value constructs. Survey items were developed to measure the existence and level of these constructs. This measurement instrument, refined during a pilot study, focused on motivation to solve problems during a kaizen blitz event. The measurement instrument was administered at four companies.; The responses of 166 participants were evaluated. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract factors from the data which correspond to the seven constructs proposed in expectancy-value theory: one expectancy belief construct, three separate task value belief constructs (interest/enjoyment, usefulness, and importance), and three separate achievement behavior constructs (choice, persistence, and effort). Additionally, statistically significant and positive correlations were observed between each of these constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis validated a measurement model, which further supported the structure of the constructs. Cronbach alpha scores and composite reliability measures for each of these constructs were greater than 0.70.; Utilizing structural equation modeling, the directional influence of each of the antecedent constructs was estimated. Although net suppression affected the magnitude of the standardized path coefficients, interest/enjoyment was found to influence all three achievement behaviors both directly and positively. Expectancies were associated with effort. Importance was associated with choice. Usefulness was associated with persistence. In addition, each of the expectancy and task value constructs significantly and positively correlated with one another. |
