Do high expectations lead to better results?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Do High Expectations Lead to Better Results?
High Expectations in Negotiations
Research indicates that high expectations can significantly influence negotiation outcomes. A study on negotiation practices found that negotiators with higher aspirations generally achieved better results compared to those with lower expectations1. However, when both parties had equally high expectations, the outcome did not necessarily favor the one with the highest aspirations. The study also highlighted that maximum aspiration levels had a more substantial impact on positive outcomes than fallback positions1.
Expectations in Medical Outcomes
In the medical field, the role of expectations is complex. A study on lumbar decompression surgery patients revealed that overly optimistic expectations did not correlate with better outcomes. Instead, the fulfillment of expectations was the most significant predictor of patient satisfaction2. Similarly, research on hip and knee arthroplasty patients showed that while high expectations were linked to better objective outcomes (e.g., pain reduction and improved function), these expectations were often not fully met, leading to lower subjective satisfaction3.
Educational Context: Teacher and Student Expectations
Teacher expectations have a profound impact on student performance. A meta-analysis of 261 studies found a moderate positive association between students' expected and actual academic achievements, suggesting that high expectations can indeed lead to better results5. Additionally, an intervention study demonstrated that students taught by teachers trained to adopt high-expectation practices showed significant improvement in mathematics achievement over one year9. This aligns with earlier findings that high teacher expectations are a key characteristic of more effective schools10.
Psychological and Cognitive Effects of High Expectations
High expectations can also affect psychological and cognitive aspects. For instance, a study on students receiving high-expectation comments found that these students exhibited increased mental activity and confidence, although this did not directly translate to higher test scores4. In psychotherapy, a meta-analysis showed that patients with optimistic outcome expectations experienced better post-treatment improvements, partly mediated by the quality of the therapeutic alliance7 8.
Managerial Implications
In organizational settings, establishing high expectations is crucial for achieving productivity potential. A classic management study emphasized that setting specific, measurable goals and holding individuals accountable can transform expectations into tangible results6. This approach requires persistent effort and strategic planning from top management to overcome resistance and foster a results-oriented environment6.
Conclusion
Overall, high expectations can lead to better results across various domains, including negotiations, medical outcomes, education, and organizational performance. However, the fulfillment of these expectations and the quality of the processes involved play critical roles in determining the ultimate success. Therefore, while high expectations are beneficial, they must be managed realistically and supported by effective strategies to maximize positive outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The importance of expectations on negotiation results
High expectations in negotiation are more influential than low expectations, with maximum aspiration having a greater impact on positive outcomes than minimum aspiration.
Non-RCTGreat Expectations: Really the Novel Predictor of Outcome After Spinal Surgery?
Overly optimistic expectations of spinal surgery outcomes are the most significant predictor of self-rated outcome, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations before surgery.
Observational Study
Highly CitedHigh Pre-Operative Expectations Precede Both Unfulfilled Expectations and Clinical Improvement After Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
High pre-operative expectations for hip and knee replacement surgery lead to better objective outcomes but less subjective improvement, with physicians' expectations influencing outcomes in knee patients.
Observational StudyHigh-expectation comments increase students’ mental activity and confidence in the test
High-expectation comments increase students' mental activity and confidence in the test, but do not significantly impact immediate test scores.
Non-RCTStudents’ expected and actual academic achievement – A meta-analysis
Students' expected and actual academic achievement show moderate positive associations, with expectations being more positive than actual achievement, but these differences decrease over time.
Meta-AnalysisDemand better results--and get them.
Setting specific, modest goals and progressively increasing demands can improve organizational performance and boost employee motivation.
Indirect effect of patient outcome expectation on improvement through alliance quality: A meta-analysis
Better alliance quality partially mediates the link between optimistic patient outcome expectations and posttreatment improvement in psychotherapy.
Meta-AnalysisExpectations.
Positive outcome expectations in psychotherapy have a small but significant positive effect on adaptive treatment outcomes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedA teacher expectation intervention: Modelling the practices of high expectation teachers
High expectation teacher training significantly improved students' mathematics achievement over one year, with high satisfaction among teachers and integrity in implementation.
RCTHighly CitedTeacher Expectations: A Model for School Improvement
High teacher expectations positively impact student achievement, and the Connecticut Department of Education model recognizes this as a key factor in school improvement.
Highly Cited