#121: Rewards can reduce motivation
As I explained last week, motivation comes from within. So, what happens when you reward someone for doing something he or she likes doing? In some cases this could actually lead to a drop in performance.
Why is that? Let’s take it step by step: Someone is motivated to do something because of the mere enjoyment of doing it. This is called intrinsic motivation. Now you come along and reward her for performing the activity. She now has more than one good reason for doing so. The result? She no longer feels entirely motivated by mere enjoyment and so she experiences a decline in intrinsic motivation.
To avoid this happening, keep the following in mind: Rewards that are clearly offered for competence are likely to increase motivation. Rewards that are perceived to be bribes will have the opposite effect. External rewards that are both large and satisfying can supplement intrinsic motivation.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2007 James Henry McIntosh
James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am
Why is that? Let’s take it step by step: Someone is motivated to do something because of the mere enjoyment of doing it. This is called intrinsic motivation. Now you come along and reward her for performing the activity. She now has more than one good reason for doing so. The result? She no longer feels entirely motivated by mere enjoyment and so she experiences a decline in intrinsic motivation.
To avoid this happening, keep the following in mind: Rewards that are clearly offered for competence are likely to increase motivation. Rewards that are perceived to be bribes will have the opposite effect. External rewards that are both large and satisfying can supplement intrinsic motivation.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2007 James Henry McIntosh
James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am
posted by James Henry McIntosh at
7:20 AM
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