Expectation-centered

An adjective describing an approach, system, or mindset primarily driven by and focused on anticipating and fulfilling predetermined expectations. It prioritizes established norms, predicted outcomes, and the satisfaction of anticipated needs, often leading to a structured and predictable environment. This approach may involve setting clear goals, establishing performance metrics, and proactively working to meet or exceed these benchmarks. It can be contrasted with approaches that emphasize flexibility, exploration, or unforeseen developments. It's a lens through which to evaluate actions, decisions, and interactions in light of pre-existing expectations, fostering a results-oriented, and often risk-averse, framework.

Expectation-centered meaning with examples

• The company’s rigid organizational structure could be described as expectation-centered, as it relies heavily on employees meeting pre-defined roles and achieving set performance goals. Innovation, while not prohibited, is often channeled through existing expectations, and structured meetings that have preset agendas. Deviations are typically seen as counterproductive rather than a means for new discovery.
• In an expectation-centered curriculum, students are assessed primarily on their ability to meet specific learning objectives and demonstrate mastery of pre-determined concepts. This approach, while providing clarity on expected outcomes, may limit opportunities for independent thinking or exploratory learning outside of these pre-set goals and expectations.
• The project management style employed was heavily expectation-centered. Each phase was designed with specific deliverables and timelines. Regular progress reports were mandatory to ensure alignment with the planned schedule, with any deviations from expectation requiring immediate corrective action. This structure enhanced predictability and facilitated strict control over the project scope.
• A healthcare system that prioritizes standardized protocols and focuses on meeting specific patient outcomes, based on established clinical guidelines, functions in an expectation-centered manner. Patient care is highly structured around delivering pre-determined care paths, which can lead to consistent results but potentially neglect personalized treatment or unanticipated patient needs.