Intrinsic motivation is best understood when it’s compared with extrinsic motivation. These two types of motivation are very different from each other. Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation because of an external reward. That could mean power, money, or approval. Intrinsic motivation, however, comes naturally from within. It’s a fundamental part of a person’s being.
If a person spends hours and hours curating the perfect Instagram selfie because they want to increase their followers, that’s extrinsic motivation – as is an employee working overtime solely because they want a promotion.
On the other hand, someone motivated to work hard, be kind, or do a workout simply because they want to is someone who is motivated intrinsically. This type of motivation is generally favoured and often leads to better outcomes. Likely, that is because it appeals to their values and emotions. They don’t have to force their motivation – it simply comes naturally to them.
Why is it so important in the workplace?
Understanding intrinsic motivation and its importance in the workplace is essential for employers wanting a motivated and positive work environment. With an intrinsically motivated team, you create a work culture that focuses on employee happiness and retention.
Improved engagement
You might find that an employee works harder when there are promises of bonuses, but that is only temporary, and their energy will likely run out once they receive the reward. That’s because it’s extrinsic motivation rather than intrinsic.
According to the 2012 study by Cho and Perry, intrinsic motivation has three times more impact on employee engagement than extrinsic motivation. This study teaches an important lesson – you will get more engagement from employees if they are intrinsically motivated.
Effective Learning
According to a Grand Valley State University research, rewards can negatively affect learning in a classroom. It can even slow learning down. What makes a positive impact is intrinsic motivation – the type that comes from within.
This information is essential for workplaces. If you can encourage more learning, you create a better workplace overall. Instead of focusing on extrinsic motivations like bonuses and afternoons off, focus on promoting intrinsic motivation. Your staff will learn better that way.
Increased retention
If an employee is intrinsically motivated at their place of work, they are more likely to stay put. That is because they are motivated by their values and emotions. Rather than staying at the job because of rewards or a need to succeed, they commit because they genuinely find enjoyment at their workplace. It’s a different kind of motivation – it lasts longer and encourages them to work hard.
As an employer, your goal is to create a team of employees that are intrinsically motivated rather than extrinsically motivated. Rather than focusing on endless rewards for hard work, instead, focus on a work culture that puts people’s values and emotions first. When people have intrinsic motivation, that’s when you see them at their best, so do what you can to make it happen.
