Intrinsic × extrinsic work motivation: Perspectives from behaviorism☆

Abstract Two behavioristic theories of motivation are reviewed in terms of their implications for intrinsic and extrinsic work motivation theory and methods. One of the theories suggests a category of task-person relations which can be expected to violate a fundamental proposition from cognitive evaluation theory: Extrinsic monetary rewards will decrease the level of intrinsically motivated behavior subsequent to their application and termination. Evidence supporting the behavioristic theory is drawn from three sources: (1) reanalysis of an experiment of E. L. Deci, (2) J. L. Farr's programmatic analysis of the Deci after-only paradigm, and (3) D. J. Bernstein and M. Dearborn's recent experiments involving control of human ecologies for extended time periods (24 hr/day for 16 and 25 days consecutively). The evidence reviewed supports the behavioristic theory and suggestions concerning its theoretical and practical implication for work motivation theory, method, and application are discussed.

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