[ A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U W

Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivators

Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivators explains how external motivators (extrinsic) and internal motivators (intrinsic) differ in their nature, qualities, effects, and proper usage.

Extrinsic Motivator: action is motivated from outside the person; they do it to get a reward (carrot) or avoid a consequence (stick).

PROS

  • easy to initiate
  • simple (transactional)
  • low capacity OK

CONS

  • motivation does not engage internally
  • incentives have mixed-up energy
  • short term
  • maintains status quo

Intrinsic Motivator: action is motivated from inside the person; they do it because of who they are (identity) and they benefit that can provide to others (mission).

PROS

  • engages internally
  • incentives have same energy
  • resilient
  • long term
  • transformational

CONS

  • requires investment to initiate
  • complex
  • demands capacity

Extrinsic motivator: While this motivation is easier to initiate because it is based on a clear transaction, there are two key weaknesses: (1) the motivator does not engage the person internally; they may do it for any private reason to get the reward or avoid the consequence. (2) the motivator has the opposite felt force in relation to its role: i.e. the carrot is in the Drive/pull role, yet since it is positive, it is felt stronger as a push-force. This leads to minimal performance to achieve the reward.

Intrinsic motivators always build capacity because the person must become the change they are producing.