Thursday, June 7, 2012

Extrinsic Motivation Vs. Intrinsic Motivation


Extrinsic motivation comes from an outside source, such as money or good grades, while intrinsic motivation leads to behavior that are not forced by the environment and that are performed for pleasure (Deckers, 2010). These two can interact together, but according to the example given in the book, enjoyment for an activity ends when this happens. “I used to enjoy playing baseball until I started getting paid for it.” (as quoted in, Deckers, 257, 2010).  The external source becomes the reason for performing the activity.

We all have hobbies and even if we are good are it not all of us choose to pursue that hobby as a career. I like drawing, playing the piano, and also photography. I might take a community class in any of those to expand my knowledge in them, but I like to freely choose when to perform those activities.  If money became my motive to perform those activities then my intrinsic motivation would decline. 



You can only enjoy intrinsic motivation when you’re happy.  Extrinsic motivation is easier to manufacture, but it doesn’t last very long.  Any happiness from it won’t last very long either.
What’s better, extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, or both? What works for you?

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