Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation comes not only from needs, but also different motivators. There are some theories that propose there are certain motivators that influence a person to want to achieve something. These motivators can be either intrinsic or extrinsic. The two main theories are the Cognitive Evaluation Theory and the Two Factor Theory.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation 

Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from within and "is not dependent on any external reward or punishment" (Meer, 2013). Extrinsic motivation is the opposite and is motivation that comes from achieving an award. An example of intrinsic motivation is someone who paints because they enjoy it, while someone who paints for commission if an example of extrinsic motivation. Below is a video that demonstrates the difference intrinsic and extrinsic motivators through a real life example.

Cognitive Evaluation Theory 

The Cognitive Evaluation Theory is a theory of motivation that is based on intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The theory states that bringing in extrinsic motivators hurts intrinsic ones. It says that by introducing extrinsic motivators, the intrinsic ones go down which could have a negative effect when trying to motivate someone without external rewards or punishments.

Two Factor Theory

Frederick Herzberg's Two Factor theory states that there are two factors that affect motivation, hygiene and motivators. Hygiene factors are extrinsic motivators like salary and benefits "whose absence motivates". Motivators on the other hand are intrinsic "whose presence motivates" (Theories of Motivation). Conclusion In the end, both these theories are based on intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. These two factors, are according to both theories, are vital in motivating people to achieve something and can also be applied to other theories such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Conclusion

All of these theories are based around needs that either come biologically, culturally or through experience. These three scientists agree on the fact that motivation comes from a certain need and that need is what drives a person to go after certain goals.

References

Extra Credits: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic. (2013, March 28). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h86g-XgUCA8

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory - Boundless Open Textbook. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from https://www.boundless.com/management/textbooks/boundless-management-textbook/organizational-behavior-5/employee-needs-and-motivation-46/herzberg-s-two-factor-theory-239-6609/

Meer, H. (2013, November 9). Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation - Study OB. Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://studyob.com/intrinsic-motivation-extrinsic-motivation/

Meer, H. (2013, November 23). Cognitive Evaluation Theory of Motivation (CET) - Study OB. Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://studyob.com/cognitive-evaluation-theory/

Theories of Motivation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2015, from http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/motivation.htm