No reward, no grade
Master's Students asked to do additional project
At the end of the semester between the last presentation and the first exam, members of a Master’s program were given a project. The project would have no bearing on their grades – neither positive nor negative – and after exams, 75 percent of the students would have no further contact with the professor who assigned the project. The professor acknowledged that there was no reason for the students to participate in the project. Any ideas generated by those participating in the project would be given to a startup business. The students would receive no compensation for those ideas. What do you think the students did?
Extrinsic Motivation
Some people are motivated by external rewards. Salespeople are the prime example – commissions, sales bonuses and gifts are types of external motivation. The problem with external motivations is that they do not work for everyone, and those, who learn that they will not be able to reach the target set for a goal, will not work harder. They will instead work just well enough to get by. Extrinsic motivation has its place, but the rewards offered must be perceived as important and supportive by the person receiving them.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the motivation that comes from within. People who do things because they want to, because it makes them feel good, or because they have to are probably intrinsically motivated. There may be an external reward, but often times, people would do whatever it was without the reward at the end. Michael Jordan may have made a lot of money playing basketball, but it was his intrinsic motivation to be the best that drove him to the top of the NBA.
What Happened?
In the end, 90 percent of the students showed up for and participated in presenting ideas to a new business about the direction that it should take to move forward. The presentations were professionally done, and there was no sign that any student had slacked off. People want to do well. They want to make an impact, and when given a chance to do so, they will take it – regardless of the rewards or lack thereof.
Extrinsic Motivation
Some people are motivated by external rewards. Salespeople are the prime example – commissions, sales bonuses and gifts are types of external motivation. The problem with external motivations is that they do not work for everyone, and those, who learn that they will not be able to reach the target set for a goal, will not work harder. They will instead work just well enough to get by. Extrinsic motivation has its place, but the rewards offered must be perceived as important and supportive by the person receiving them.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the motivation that comes from within. People who do things because they want to, because it makes them feel good, or because they have to are probably intrinsically motivated. There may be an external reward, but often times, people would do whatever it was without the reward at the end. Michael Jordan may have made a lot of money playing basketball, but it was his intrinsic motivation to be the best that drove him to the top of the NBA.
What Happened?
In the end, 90 percent of the students showed up for and participated in presenting ideas to a new business about the direction that it should take to move forward. The presentations were professionally done, and there was no sign that any student had slacked off. People want to do well. They want to make an impact, and when given a chance to do so, they will take it – regardless of the rewards or lack thereof.