Extrinsic Motivation

Abstract

In my article im going to elaborate the methodology of extrinsic motivation. The content will not be focused exclusively on working or project environments, but still is going to give a general overview about the mechanics. Therefore it will cover application related details and describe the pro and contra's especially in comparison to intrinsic motivation.

Extrinsic motivation describes part of the motivation theories. human behaviors and actions are influenced and driven by various factors, one of them is personal motivation. personal motivation can be categorized as inner or so called intrinsic motivation and extrinsic, generally more external influenced motivation. In theory a clear separation is possible, in practical matters a combination of both applies to the reasons of motivation for most people. Different characteristics of extrinsic motivations can be seen in various field of life as school and studies, work environments, sports and legal circumstances. Furthermore extrinsic motivations have been described centuries ago in history.

Summary

The summary will provide a brief overview about extrinsic motivation.

Historic overview and evolution

General and historical overview including surveys done and historical applications as well as public known application like grading in school or rewards/bonus payments at work are getting reviewed.

Big idea

Description of the underlying mechanics including the psychological pint of view.

Concept and application

In this section use cases with the focus on work or project environments will be discussed.

Limitation and alternatives

Limitations of extrinsic motivation, "dangers" and alternative forms like intrinsic motivation.

Annotated bibliography

Some key references I found interesting during my first research and plan on using them for the creation of my article are (these resources might change later):
1. Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences; ISBN 9783-3192-4612-3
2. Successful Management by Motivation: Balancing Intrinsic and Extrinsic Incentives; ISSN 1758-6887
3. Motivational synergy: Toward new conceptualizations of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the workplace; ISSN 1053-4822