Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic
Written by Monica A. Frank, Ph.D.
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
Extrinsic motivation is an external (outside) form of motivation. For example, if your manager sets a deadline on a project and your bonus is tied to the deadline, that is a form of extrinsic motivation. This example includes two extrinsic motivators: your boss's expectations and the reward. So, extrinsic motivation doesn't always have to be another person, but it can be an outside demand, commitment, or prize that requires the completion of a particular goal.
Intrinsic motivation is an internal (inside) form of motivation. You aim towards a goal of personal satisfaction or success. You may even work towards a long-term reward such as the development of a business or competing in sports, but the main motivator is internal.
A Story about the Old Man and the Children
There is a story about the old man who had an empty field next to his house. Every afternoon the neighborhood children played baseball in the field. The old man, disturbed by the noise, developed a plan to prevent the children from using the field. One day while the children were playing, he told them that he would pay each of them $5 every day they came to play in the field. They thought he was a little crazy, but they were excited to be paid to do something they liked. After a few days, he told them he couldn't afford to pay the $5, but he still wanted them to play in the field and asked if they would accept $1. They grumbled a little but agreed to take the $1.
A few days more passed and the old man approached the children with an apology telling them that he wouldn't be able to pay them anymore but hoped that they would still play in the lot anyway. The children responded by refusing to play in the "stinking" lot if he wasn't going to pay them.
This story is an excellent example of changing intrinsic motivation to extrinsic motivation. At first, the children played in the field for the enjoyment of it. However, once the man started paying them, their motivator became the money which was extrinsic motivation. Once that motivator disappeared, they no longer had the desire to play in the field.
Children usually have intrinsic motivation when they are born. They investigate their surroundings and realize their talents for pleasure.
Abridged and adapted by Dr. Algirdas Makarevicius, Ph.D.(Linguistics)
See full original text:
https://www.excelatlife.com/articles/intrinsic_motivation.htm
Read another story: The Grass Eating Tiger
