Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being
Citation: Richard M. Ryan, Edward L. Deci (2000) Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist (RSS)
DOI (original publisher): 10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Semantic Scholar (metadata): 10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Sci-Hub (fulltext): 10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Internet Archive Scholar (search for fulltext): Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being
Tagged: psychology (RSS)
Summary
Things like competence, autonomy, and relatedness yield self motivation and well being. The human spirit can be curious and motivated or crushed and alienated. In today's world the latter seems to be a common state as people are bored and uninspired at their jobs, and often spend their free time watching TV. People who have more authentic intrinsic motivations (self-authored and endorsed) versus people who are extrinsically motivated and externally controlled have more interest, excitement, and confidence in their lives. These more intrinsic motivations increase performance, vitality, self esteem, and well-being. Intrinsic motivation is based on curiosity, mastery, spontaneous interest, and exploration that provides enjoyment and vitality through life. But this state require supportive conditions. This paper looks at the conditions that support intrinsic motivation. The first is competence and autonomy. People who feel competent are more motivated. For example, freedom from demeaning evaluation is motivating. Research shows that positive performance feedback enhanced intrinsic motivation, whereas negative performance feedback decreased it. Extrinsic rewards on the other hand can undermine intrinsic motivation. Things like threats, deadlines, etc. reduce intrinsic motivation and satisfaction with one's work. Studies show that children of less controlling parents are more intrinsically motivated. Another factor that contributes to intrinsic motivation is a feeling of relatedness. For example caring from teachers, coworkers etc, drives people to be intrinsically motivated.
Theoretical and Practical Relevance
There's so much potential to make the workplace so much more productive and happy by increasing autonomy and relatedness. There are some interesting cases of companies that give their employees a lot of freedom (Google for example that allows their engineers to work on their side projects one day per week) that have had amazing results. It calls for entirely new way of thinking about management. Perhaps the days of Taylorism are on their way out.
