Effects of an Extrinsic Reward on Intrinsic Motivation: A Field Experiment

Abstract

In this article the author attempts to add to the research on the relationship between intrinsic employee motivation and the expectation of a reward based upon performance. The author asserts that this study has a better research design due to the fact that it was conducted in the field and not in a laboratory. The author explains some of the design features on the study, noting that in the study performance-contingent rewards were compared to rewards that were not contingent-based, performance-contingent rewards were offered in combination with regular pay, a field setting was used and intrinsic motivation was measured with a scale established construct validity. The study also examined the possible links between satisfaction with pay and the existence of contingent-rewards.