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Increasing Intrinsic Motivation<br />

Our discussion of motivation theories and our discussion of how to apply motivation<br />

theories in the workplace has focused more on improving extrinsic motivation.<br />

Professor Kenneth Thomas of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California,<br />

developed a model of intrinsic motivation that draws from the job characteristics model<br />

(see Chapter 5 ) and cognitive evaluation theory. 106 He identified four key rewards that<br />

increase an individual’s intrinsic motivation:<br />

• Sense of choice. The opportunity to select what one will do and perform the way<br />

one thinks best. Individuals can use their own judgment to carry out the task.<br />

• Sense of competence. The feeling of accomplishment for doing a good job.<br />

Individuals are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment when they carry<br />

out challenging tasks.<br />

• Sense of meaningfulness. The opportunity to pursue worthwhile tasks.<br />

Individuals feel good about what they are doing and believe that what they<br />

are doing matters.<br />

• Sense of progress. The feeling of accomplishment that one is making progress<br />

on a task, and that it is moving forward. Individuals feel that they are<br />

spending their time wisely in doing their jobs.<br />

Thomas also identified four sets of behaviours managers can use to build intrinsic<br />

rewards for their employees:<br />

• Leading for choice. Empowering employees and delegating tasks.<br />

• Leading for competence. Supporting and coaching employees.<br />

• Leading for meaningfulness. Inspiring employees and modelling desired<br />

behaviours.<br />

• Leading for progress. Monitoring and rewarding employees.<br />

Exhibit 4-14 describes what managers can do to increase the likelihood that intrinsic<br />

rewards are motivational.<br />

Chapter 4 Theories of Motivation 153<br />

EXHIBIT 4-14 Building Blocks for Intrinsic Rewards<br />

Leading for Choice<br />

• Delegated authority<br />

• Trust in workers<br />

• Security (no punishment) for honest mistakes<br />

• A clear purpose<br />

• Information<br />

Leading for Meaningfulness<br />

• A noncynical climate<br />

• Clearly identified passions<br />

• An exciting vision<br />

• Relevant task purposes<br />

• Whole tasks<br />

Leading for Competence<br />

• Knowledge<br />

• Positive feedback<br />

• Skill recognition<br />

• Challenge<br />

• High, noncomparative standards<br />

Leading for Progress<br />

• A collaborative climate<br />

• Milestones<br />

• Celebrations<br />

• Access to customers<br />

• Measurement of improvement<br />

Source: From Intrinsic Motivation at Work: Building Energy and Commitment. Copyright © K. Thomas.<br />

1997. Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc., San Francisco, CA. All rights reserved. www.bkconnection.com .

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