Extrinsic motivation

Definition

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for external rewards or to avoid negative outcomes, rather than for the inherent enjoyment or satisfaction of the task itself. This concept is essential for understanding how different motivational theories explain behaviors and performance, as well as how setting clear goals can influence motivation levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extrinsic motivation can take various forms, such as tangible rewards like money, grades, or praise, as well as intangible rewards like recognition and status.
2. While extrinsic motivation can lead to short-term compliance and immediate performance boosts, it may not always foster long-term engagement or intrinsic interest in a task.
3. The effectiveness of extrinsic rewards can diminish over time if individuals become overly reliant on them, which is often referred to as the 'overjustification effect.'
4. Extrinsic motivators are often used in organizational settings to encourage productivity, but it’s essential to balance them with opportunities for intrinsic motivation.
5. Different motivational theories offer insights into how extrinsic motivators can be structured to support and enhance overall motivation rather than undermine intrinsic desires.

Review Questions

• How does extrinsic motivation differ from intrinsic motivation in terms of its impact on behavior and performance?
  • Extrinsic motivation differs from intrinsic motivation primarily in its source of drive. While extrinsic motivation is fueled by external rewards or pressures, intrinsic motivation comes from within, driven by personal interest and enjoyment of the activity. Research shows that while extrinsic rewards can enhance performance in the short term, they may undermine intrinsic interest over time if not carefully managed. Therefore, understanding both types of motivation is crucial for effectively motivating individuals in various settings.
• Discuss the role of goal-setting in enhancing extrinsic motivation and its potential effects on individual performance.
  • Goal-setting plays a significant role in enhancing extrinsic motivation by providing clear expectations and benchmarks for performance. When individuals have specific, measurable goals tied to external rewards, they are more likely to focus their efforts and persist in their tasks. However, it’s important that these goals are challenging yet attainable to maintain motivation. If the goals are set too high without support, it could lead to frustration and disengagement instead of increased effort.
• Evaluate the potential drawbacks of relying heavily on extrinsic motivation within educational or workplace environments.
  • Relying too heavily on extrinsic motivation can lead to several drawbacks, such as decreased intrinsic motivation and creativity among individuals. When people become accustomed to external rewards for their efforts, they may lose sight of the inherent enjoyment of the task. Furthermore, this dependence on external incentives can create a transactional mindset where individuals only engage in activities for rewards rather than personal growth. This can result in lower long-term engagement and satisfaction, which are critical for sustained success in educational or workplace settings.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to perform an activity because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable, rather than for some separable consequence.

Reinforcement: A process in behavioral psychology where the likelihood of a behavior is increased by a reward or decreased by a punishment.

Goal-Setting Theory: A theory that suggests specific and challenging goals along with appropriate feedback can enhance motivation and performance.