What is intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

When we observe a person working to achieve a certain goal or outcome, we consider it a motivation. There are two important types of motivation – Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation.

Content: Intrinsic Vs Extrinsic Motivation

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonIntrinsic MotivationExtrinsic MotivationMeaningIntrinsic Motivation is one that comes from inside the person, depending on his personal needs and enjoyment of any task.A type of motivation which is induced by outside forces, commonly of financial nature is called as extrinsic motivation.FocusActionOutcomeLocus of ControlInternal to the personExternal to the personAims atGrooming, developing and satisfying oneself and also identifying the potential.Earning a reward or avoiding certain consequences.Satisfaction of basic psychological needsYesNoConcerned withHow the activity aligns with a person's values?How the activity effects a person's present?InvolvesEnjoying working the task.Valuing rewards and awards for accomplishing the work.Driven byOwn desires and needs.Outside sources or other people.

Definition of Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation is one in which the person’s behaviour gets motivation from an internal desire to do or achieve something, for own sake. It initiates from feelings of achievement, satisfaction, accomplishment rather than any outside incentive, pressure, deadline, etc.

Simply put, the motivation to adopt a certain behaviour comes from within, as it is naturally satisfying. It arises out of fun, challenge, interest, etc. The source of motivation is inherent to the task and so the person is automatically involved in the task.

Moreover, it is related to the state of self-actualization, wherein the contentment of attaining something invaluable motivates the person again, so the motivation is autogenerated and it has nothing to do with financial rewards.

Intrinsic motivation yields a high quality of work, the accomplishment of tasks in a timely manner, meeting challenges and gaining excellence in the task.

Definition of Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation refers to the type of motivation wherein the motivation is due to external forces, which pushes you to do or achieve something with the aim of earning a reward or avoid negative consequences.

It is a form of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning uses reward or punishment so as to increase the likelihood of certain behaviour. It can be increment, fame, grades, recognition, appreciation, or threat of punishment etc.

This type of motivation is based on the fact that if human behaviour is positively rewarded for the work done, it tends to be repeated. Nevertheless, the reward of such behaviour has to be powerful and long-lasting so that it improves, its occurrence probability.

So far, monetary reward is regarded as the best incentive for desired behaviour. However, it has been argued that whether money actually motivates people or it simply pushes them to work. This can include higher pay, add on benefits like retirement plans, profit-sharing scheme, paid vacations, health insurance, food coupons, etc.

Key Differences Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

  1. In intrinsic motivation, a person acts to achieve something, but not for any external reward, but to enjoy the process or take it as an opportunity, to explore new things/ideas and also to actualize the capabilities. On the contrary, in extrinsic motivation, the person adopts a certain behaviour in an attempt to earn a reward or avoid some punishment.
  2. In intrinsic motivation, it is the action which is regarded as important, on which the person has control. Hence, it makes the people participate in an activity for their own will or interest and not for the reward it will bring.
    As against, in extrinsic motivation, the focus is on the outcome which is gained when the task is completed. This means that it makes people do something for obtaining a tangible or intangible reward.
  3. In intrinsic motivation, the locus of control lies inside the person, who decides to perform the task. Conversely, in extrinsic motivation, the locus of control is external to the person who is said to carry out the task.
  4. Intrinsic Motivation aims at grooming, developing and satisfying oneself and also identifying the potential, and exploring the abilities. On the other hand, the objective of extrinsic motivation is to earn a reward or to avoid a certain negative outcome.
  5. Intrinsic Motivation is capable of satisfying the basic psychological needs of a person for independence, competence, etc. In contrast, extrinsic motivation does not satisfy a person’s fundamental psychological needs, however, it embraces external benefits like money, power, fame, etc.
  6. Intrinsic Motivation deals with how the task/activity pursued align with the person’s values? As against, extrinsic motivation is concerned with how the activity is going to affect a person’s present?
  7. In intrinsic motivation, the person enjoys the task, but in extrinsic motivation, the person gives more emphasis to the awards and rewards received on accomplishing the task.
  8. Intrinsic motivation is driven by a person’s own desires and needs. Contrastingly, the extrinsic motivation is driven by other sources, usually another person.

Conclusion

Motivation is an inner force which drives the employee’s behaviour. These are based on needs, rewards and efforts. Both types of motivation are important in life. Intrinsic Motivation is the arises from within which instigates a person to perform an activity, for his/her own satisfaction. On the other extreme, extrinsic motivation is when you do something because of an external force and not for inner fulfilment.

In extrinsic motivation, there is a tangible or intangible outcome acting as a reward which a person wants to achieve, but in intrinsic motivation, the reward is the behaviour itself.

What is intrinsic and extrinsic motivation examples?

Example of Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation For example, reading about something because it's fun to learn is an example of intrinsic motivation. Reading about something to receive praise from an instructor is an example of extrinsic motivation.

What is intrinsic and extrinsic meaning?

The intrinsic value of something is said to be the value that that thing has “in itself,” or “for its own sake,” or “as such,” or “in its own right.” Extrinsic value is value that is not intrinsic. Many philosophers take intrinsic value to be crucial to a variety of moral judgments.

What are intrinsic motivations?

Intrinsic motivation is defined as the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. When intrinsically motivated, a person is moved to act for the fun or challenge entailed rather than because of external products, pressures, or rewards.

What is extrinsic motivation?

In extrinsic motivation, rewards or other incentives — like praise, fame, or money — are used as motivation for specific activities. Unlike intrinsic motivation, external factors drive this form of motivation. Being paid to do a job is an example of extrinsic motivation.