Which motivational theory encompasses the manager's plan for the team to achieve increased results by linking job performance to annual bonuses?

Learning theory focuses on how individuals acquire new skills and knowledge through experience and reinforcement. While important for personal development, it does not specifically address the motivational link between performance and financial rewards, thus making it less applicable to the scenario presented.

Agency theory primarily deals with the relationship between principals and agents, specifically regarding the conflicts of interest that arise in organizational settings. This theory is concerned with aligning interests between different parties rather than directly addressing motivation through performance-based rewards, making it irrelevant in this context.

Equity theory centers on the concept of fairness in the distribution of rewards relative to others' contributions. While it does involve motivation, it focuses on perceived fairness rather than the direct performance-to-reward link emphasized in the manager's plan, thus making it an unsuitable choice for this question.