Intrinsic Motivation

Definition

Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive and desire to engage in an activity or behavior for its own sake, without the need for external rewards or incentives. It stems from an individual's inherent interest, enjoyment, and satisfaction derived from the activity itself, rather than from external factors or pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intrinsic motivation is associated with higher levels of job satisfaction, creativity, and performance, as individuals are driven by their own internal desires rather than external pressures.
2. Providing autonomy, opportunities for skill development, and a sense of purpose can enhance intrinsic motivation in the workplace.
3. Intrinsic motivation is a key component of content theories of motivation, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory.
4. Process theories of motivation, such as Expectancy Theory and Goal-Setting Theory, emphasize the role of intrinsic motivation in shaping an individual's effort and persistence towards achieving desired outcomes.
5. Recent research on motivation has highlighted the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation to promote employee well-being, engagement, and long-term performance.

Review Questions

• Explain how intrinsic motivation is influenced by employee performance and motivation (11.4 Influencing Employee Performance and Motivation).
  • Intrinsic motivation is a crucial factor in influencing employee performance and motivation. When employees are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to their work, as they derive satisfaction and enjoyment from the work itself, rather than relying solely on external rewards or incentives. Managers can foster intrinsic motivation by providing autonomy, opportunities for skill development, and a sense of purpose, which can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction, creativity, and overall performance.
• Describe the role of intrinsic motivation in the direction and intensity of employee motivation (14.1 Motivation: Direction and Intensity).
  • Intrinsic motivation plays a significant role in shaping the direction and intensity of employee motivation. Employees who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to be driven towards activities and goals that align with their personal interests, values, and sense of purpose. This internal drive and desire to engage in the work itself can lead to a higher intensity of effort and persistence, as individuals are fueled by their own inherent satisfaction and enjoyment, rather than relying on external rewards or pressures. Understanding the factors that influence intrinsic motivation, such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness, can help managers create work environments that foster this type of motivation and ultimately enhance employee performance and well-being.
• Analyze how intrinsic motivation is addressed in content and process theories of motivation (14.2 Content Theories of Motivation, 14.3 Process Theories of Motivation).
  • Intrinsic motivation is a central concept in both content and process theories of motivation. Content theories, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, highlight the importance of intrinsic factors, such as self-actualization, achievement, and recognition, in driving employee motivation. These theories suggest that meeting an individual's intrinsic needs can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and performance. Process theories, like Expectancy Theory and Goal-Setting Theory, emphasize the role of intrinsic motivation in shaping an individual's effort and persistence towards achieving desired outcomes. These theories suggest that employees are more likely to be motivated when they perceive a clear connection between their efforts, the attainment of their goals, and the intrinsic rewards or satisfaction they will receive. By understanding how intrinsic motivation is addressed in these theoretical frameworks, managers can develop strategies to foster intrinsic motivation and enhance overall employee performance and well-being.

Related terms

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity or behavior in order to obtain a reward or avoid a punishment, rather than for the inherent satisfaction of the activity itself.

Self-Determination Theory:

A theory of motivation that emphasizes the importance of an individual's innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being.

Flow: A state of deep immersion and enjoyment in an activity, where the individual's skills are well-matched to the challenges presented, leading to a sense of effortless engagement and intrinsic motivation.