I remembered the question we were asked in class: Why do you study for this course, put aside the fact that you are required to take this course? Many people answered grade, few said because they love OB, they want to learn more about it. This fact made me think, which one is more effective–intrinsic motivator or extrinsic motivator?

According to Organizational Behaviour by Nancy Langton, “Extrinsic motivators come from outside the person and include such things as pay, bonuses, and other intangible rewards. Intrinsic motivators come from a person’s internal desire to do something, due to such things as interest, challenge, and personal satisfaction.” [1] Thus, most students in our class are extrinsically motivated to study.

For me, I hate doing things I dislike. When I was young, my parents forced me to learn piano just because all other children were learning to play instruments at that age. That didn’t go well, as I said, when I don’t like something, I couldn’t try my best to do it. However, if I find my real interest, I’m willing to devote as much as time and energy to do it. During my high school, I found myself interested in writing, which changed me a lot. I was much more busier than others as I took a part-time writer job which required a lot time commitments. From then on, I learned how to manage time and do things during small time intervals. That’s the most happiest time period in my life because I finally find something I truly care about. However, things changed after I came to Canada, due to the fact that I don’t use my first language much less frequent, my ability to express things weakened dramatically, what’s even worse is that my English is not very good either, so I couldn’t write beautiful work in either language. My story proved another point mentioned in textbook by Langton: “Individuals are intrinsically motivated when they genuinely care about their work, look for better way to do it, and are energized and fulfilled by doing it well.”[2] Even though I’m more intrinsically motivated, it’s hard to always find things I really interested in, so when I encounter works that not very enjoyable, I try to find some fun part of it to motivate myself.

In other cases, people might find extrinsic motivators are more effective such as in workplace, bonuses, stock options, rewards are always popular choice for managers to motivate their employee. In my opinion, the combined motivator works the best: imagine you could get the job you really want and a great pay, is there any reasons you don’t want to work? I don’t think so!

In conclusion, motivators are important in life, which implies that find a suitable motivator for you is important too.

Reference:

1.Langton, Robbins, Judge, Organizational Behaviour, 5th edition, p. 130.

2.Langton, Robbins, Judge, Organizational Behaviour, 5th edition, p. 130.