Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Understanding the Key Differences
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation are known as the driving force that encourages our behavior. Understanding the key differences between them encourages more effective and fulfilling actions.
What is Intrinsic Motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is the act of engaging in an activity because we find it enjoyable or interesting, rather than for earning external rewards. When we are intrinsically motivated, we engage in behaviors that we find enjoyable or meaningful. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, such as a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment.
Common Examples
Working extra time because you enjoy the work itself
Solving any puzzle they are fun to solve
Reading a book because you enjoy it
What is Extrinsic Motivation?
Extrinsic motivation is the act of engaging in an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment. This motivation plays a role in encouraging a certain behavior in specific environments, like in the workplace. Extrinsic motivation is connected with external rewards rather than coming from within.
Common examples
Working extra time to earn a bonus
Solving a puzzle to win a prize or reward
Studying hard to get a high grade
Importance of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation play different roles in our lives, such as in shaping how we think, learn, and act. Intrinsic motivation is the behavior of engaging in activities that we truly enjoy and find interesting. It often leads to more focus, creativity, and long-term fulfillment.
Extrinsic motivation encourages engagement in an activity that may not be enjoyable but needs to be done. For example, studying for exams or meeting a work deadline and helps in encouraging one to reach the goal or complete responsibilities.
Understanding both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can enhance performance and support in staying committed in different areas of life, such as school, work, and personal growth.
Can Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Work Together?
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can work together when people enjoy doing something (which is intrinsic motivation) and also get a reward for it (which is extrinsic motivation). For instance, when a student feels interested in learning something new, and become happy when they also get a reward for it. When both work together, it can make the activity enjoyable and also rewarding.
Physical rewards (prizes)__if overused, can reduce intrinsic motivation.
Verbal rewards (praises)__can increase the intrinsic motivation when people feel good about what they are doing.
The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Different Areas of Life
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can be effective in different areas of life, like education, the workplace, and parenting.
Extrinsic motivation can help students in education by encouraging them in learning. Using external rewards such as grades or stickers can be an effective way to foster intrinsic motivation. Offering choices and using external rewards according to students' interests can encourage them to deeper learning and lead to academic success.
Intrinsic motivation can support employees in the workplace, as when they are driven by passion and purpose, they are more productive. While bonuses and promotions are also important, the way employers recognize employees' effort, and offering choices to support intrinsic motivation.
Supporting intrinsic motivation can involve encouraging children to explore, allowing decision-making, and also praising their efforts, not just results. Instead of giving regular external rewards, parents can help children find joy in learning or reaching their own goals.
When to Use Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Whether intrinsic or extrinsic motivation works well depends on the person and situation. When trying to change the behavior, the external rewards (extrinsic motivation) can help, while for the long-term, building interest and happiness, inner motivation (intrinsic motivation) can be helpful.
Balancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the right way can lead to better and long-term results.
Related: Motivation: Finding Purpose in Small Moments
Closing Thoughts
Understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can help in different areas of life. They both can help in supporting students, work, or leading a team, and also parents to support their children. Recognizing what truly drives the behavior leads to an environment where we not only perform but also find it meaningful and enjoyable.