Extrinsic motivation is a type of motivation that comes from outside an individual. It involves performing a task or engaging in an activity not for personal satisfaction or interest, but to earn a reward or avoid punishment. This form of motivation is commonly observed in educational, workplace, and social settings, where people are influenced by external outcomes such as money, grades, praise, or fear of consequences.
Extrinsic motivation plays a significant role in guiding behavior, especially when tasks are routine, difficult, or less enjoyable.
Definitions of Extrinsic Motivation by Authors
Deci & Ryan (1985)
“Extrinsic motivation is a construct that pertains whenever an activity is done in order to attain some separable outcome.”
(Source: Self-Determination Theory)
Ormrod (2008)
“Extrinsic motivation exists when the source of motivation lies outside the individual and the task being performed.”
(Source: Educational Psychology: Developing Learners)
Brophy (2004)
“Extrinsic motivation refers to the motivation to engage in an activity as a means to an end, rather than for its own sake.”
(Source: Motivating Students to Learn)
Slavin (2006)
“Extrinsic motivation is motivation that is created by external factors such as rewards and punishments.”
(Source: Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice)
Sources of Extrinsic Motivation (In Detail)
Extrinsic motivation arises from external factors that influence an individual’s behavior through rewards, recognition, fear, or pressure. These sources come from outside the person and serve to encourage or discourage certain actions. Below are the main sources of extrinsic motivation:
1. Rewards
Rewards are positive outcomes given to a person after completing a specific task or achieving a target. These can be tangible (physical) or intangible (non-physical) in nature.
Examples:
- Money, bonuses, scholarships
- Gifts, medals, prizes
- Certificates, trophies, or benefits
Rewards can increase motivation for short-term goals and repetitive tasks. However, overdependence on rewards may reduce interest in the activity itself if rewards are removed.
2. Punishments or Fear of Consequences
Sometimes individuals are motivated to act not to gain a reward, but to avoid negative outcomes. This fear-based motivation influences behavior through the threat of punishment or loss.
Examples:
- Fear of failing an exam
- Avoiding salary deductions or job loss
- Fear of criticism, rejection, or punishment
This source may produce quick results but can also lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of long-term interest in the task.
3. Social Recognition and Approval
Humans are social beings and often seek appreciation, respect, or admiration from others. The desire to gain social acceptance or recognition can motivate people to behave in certain ways.
Examples:
- Praise from teachers, parents, or employers
- Gaining respect, reputation, or fame
- Competing to gain status or leadership positions
This is a powerful source of motivation in academic, workplace, and social environments. However, it can lead to dependence on others’ opinions for self-worth.
4. Competition and Comparison
In environments where performance is compared (schools, jobs, sports), competition becomes a motivating force. The urge to perform better than others can drive effort and achievement.
Examples:
- Competing for top ranks or promotions
- Trying to outperform peers or rivals
- Participating in contests to win
Healthy competition can improve performance, but excessive comparison may cause jealousy, stress, or a fear of failure.
5. Deadlines and External Pressure
When individuals are under time constraints, rules, or strict supervision, they often act due to external pressure rather than internal willingness.
Examples:
- Meeting work deadlines
- Completing assignments before due dates
- Following instructions under supervision
Deadlines can improve focus and time management, but long-term pressure without internal interest can reduce creativity and satisfaction.
6. Grades and Academic Performance
In educational settings, students are often motivated by grades, ranks, or evaluations which are external indicators of performance.
Examples:
- Studying to get high marks
- Completing projects for better assessment
- Attending class to maintain attendance scores
This can improve academic discipline, but may reduce deep learning if students focus only on marks rather than understanding.
7. Rules, Laws, and Authority
People are often motivated to behave in certain ways due to legal systems, institutional rules, or instructions from authority figures.
Examples:
- Following traffic rules to avoid fines
- Obeying school or company rules
- Completing duties due to instruction from teachers or bosses
This ensures discipline and order, but may lead to resistance if individuals feel forced or lack personal interest.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation plays a vital role in encouraging behavior through rewards, recognition, or pressure. However, like any motivational approach, it has both strengths and limitations. Below are advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of Extrinsic Motivation
1. Encourages Task Completion
Extrinsic motivation helps individuals complete tasks, especially those that are difficult, boring, or routine.
- Example: A student finishes a long assignment to receive extra marks.
2. Promotes Discipline and Structure
External rules, deadlines, and rewards provide a clear framework for behavior, especially in schools and workplaces.
- Example: Employees work regularly due to attendance bonuses or job security.
3. Useful in Goal-Oriented Environments
It is highly effective in situations that require specific results within a fixed time.
- Example: Sales teams work harder during bonus-based campaigns.
4. Increases Productivity in Short Term
Immediate rewards can boost energy and focus, leading to faster performance.
- Example: Workers complete more tasks to earn performance-based incentives.
5. Helps in Behavior Shaping and Learning
It is helpful in teaching new behaviors or forming good habits through external reinforcement.
- Example: Children learn to follow rules at school to gain praise or rewards.
Disadvantages of Extrinsic Motivation
1. Reduces Intrinsic Motivation Over Time
Overreliance on external rewards can decrease a person’s natural interest or enjoyment in the activity.
- Example: A child who once loved drawing may lose interest if always rewarded for it.
2. Short-Term Effectiveness
Motivation may fade quickly once the reward is achieved or the pressure is removed.
- Example: A student stops studying after receiving the certificate.
3. Can Create Pressure, Stress, or Anxiety
Constant competition, deadlines, or fear of punishment can lead to mental stress.
- Example: Employees may feel burnt out under constant performance pressure.
4. Lack of Internal Satisfaction
People may complete tasks efficiently but feel no emotional connection or joy in doing them.
- Example: Working only for money without passion or interest in the job.
5. May Lead to Unethical Behavior
In some cases, individuals may take shortcuts, cheat, or behave dishonestly just to earn rewards or avoid penalties.
- Example: Students may cheat on tests to get high marks.
Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are two distinct types of motivation that drive human behavior. Below is a clear comparison between the two:
| Basis of Difference | Intrinsic Motivation | Extrinsic Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Motivation that comes from within the individual | Motivation that comes from external factors |
| Purpose | Done for personal satisfaction or interest | Done to gain a reward or avoid punishment |
| Source | Internal desires, curiosity, enjoyment | External rewards, pressure, deadlines, fear |
| Examples | Reading a book because you enjoy learning | Reading a book to pass an exam or get a certificate |
| Nature of Activity | Activity is self-rewarding | Activity is means to an end |
| Sustainability | Long-lasting and consistent | Temporary; depends on presence of external factors |
| Effect on Creativity | Often enhances creativity and deeper learning | May limit creativity; focuses more on result than process |
| Driven by | Interest, passion, personal growth | Money, praise, grades, fear, competition |
| Common in | Hobbies, personal goals, voluntary learning | Academic tasks, job performance, compliance with rules |
| Emotional Outcome | Brings joy, pride, and internal fulfillment | Brings relief, stress, or momentary satisfaction |