Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

This graphic below shows that only intrinsic motivation, without rewards and punishments really consistently works, and it is of course the main motivational logic of peer production.

Graphic at http://positivesharing.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/motivation.jpg

Description

From Alexander Kjerulf at http://positivesharing.com/2006/12/why-motivation-by-pizza-doesnt-work/

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

"These are the four different kinds of motivation:

First, motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is when you want to do something. Extrinsic motivation is when somebody else tries to make you do something.

Secondly, there is positive and negative motivation. Positive motivation is when you want to get something - motivation towards some goal. Negative motivation is away from something you want to avoid.

Combine these two dimensions and we get four kinds of motivation (don’t you just love these four-quadrant models :o). Let’s see why three of the quadrants are useless for creating motivation."

Why Extrinsic Motivation Doesn't Work

From Alfred Kohn:

"If a reward — money, awards, praise, or winning a contest — comes to be seen as the reason one is engaging in an activity, that activity will be viewed as less enjoyable in its own right." (http://naggum.no/motivation.html)

"extrinsic motivation has some serious drawbacks:

1. It’s not sustainable - As soon as you withdraw the punishment or reward, the motivation disappears.

2. You get diminishing returns - If the punishment or rewards stay at the same levels, motivation slowly drops off. To get the same motivation next time requires a bigger reward.

3. It hurts intrinsic motivation - Punishing or rewarding people for doing something removes their own innate desire to do it on their own. From now on you must punish/reward every time to get them to do it."

Factors that promote intrinsic motivation

"What enhances intrinsic motivation? This webpage

cites some research and lists the factors that create and sustain intrinsic motivation. The list includes:

• Challenge - Being able to challenge yourself and accomplish new tasks.

• Control - Having choice over what you do.

• Cooperation - Being able to work with and help others.

• Recognition - Getting meaningful, positive recognition for your work.

To these I would add:

• Happiness at work - People who like their job and their workplace are much more likely to find intrinsic motivation.

• Trust - When you trust the people you work with, intrinsic motivation is much easier."

Key Books to Read

Alfie Kohn. Punished by Rewards. Info at http://www.alfiekohn.org/books.htm

More Information

Podcast about intrinsic motivation at http://positivesharing.com/2006/10/podcast-about-motivation/