Overjustification effect

Definition

The overjustification effect occurs when an external incentive, such as money or rewards, decreases a person's intrinsic motivation to perform a task. This phenomenon highlights how extrinsic rewards can undermine the internal satisfaction derived from an activity, leading individuals to attribute their engagement to the rewards rather than their inherent interest. Understanding this effect is crucial for creating effective commitment devices and strategies for self-regulation as well as for managing employee motivation in organizational settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Research shows that offering extrinsic rewards for activities that people already enjoy can lead to a decline in their intrinsic motivation over time.
2. The overjustification effect is particularly evident in children, where introducing rewards can shift their perception of why they engage in activities.
3. In workplaces, relying heavily on financial incentives can sometimes backfire, leading employees to focus on the reward instead of the job satisfaction derived from their work.
4. The overjustification effect can complicate the use of commitment devices, as individuals may become less motivated to stick to their goals when rewards are introduced.
5. To counteract the overjustification effect, it's essential to foster a culture that emphasizes intrinsic motivation and recognizes achievements without relying solely on external rewards.

Review Questions

• How does the overjustification effect illustrate the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the context of self-regulation?
  • The overjustification effect demonstrates that when external rewards are introduced for activities that individuals already find intrinsically motivating, their internal motivation can diminish. This decline occurs because individuals start attributing their engagement to the rewards rather than their own enjoyment or interest in the task. In self-regulation contexts, this means that using external incentives might undermine a person's commitment to their goals if they begin to rely more on these incentives rather than their intrinsic motivation.
• Discuss how the overjustification effect can impact organizational behavior and management practices related to employee motivation.
  • In organizational settings, the overjustification effect can significantly influence management practices regarding employee motivation. If companies heavily rely on extrinsic motivators like bonuses or promotions, employees may shift their focus toward achieving these external rewards rather than finding fulfillment in their work. This shift can lead to decreased job satisfaction and creativity since workers might only perform tasks for the sake of rewards rather than personal interest or passion. Therefore, understanding this effect can help managers design better incentive systems that promote intrinsic motivation alongside extrinsic rewards.
• Evaluate strategies that organizations could implement to mitigate the negative effects of the overjustification effect on employee performance and motivation.
  • Organizations can adopt several strategies to reduce the negative impacts of the overjustification effect. Firstly, they should strive to create a work environment that values intrinsic motivations by encouraging autonomy, mastery, and purpose in tasks. Providing opportunities for personal growth and recognizing efforts without tying them directly to external rewards can help maintain employees' interest in their work. Additionally, implementing recognition programs that celebrate accomplishments without immediate financial incentives can reinforce intrinsic motivation. Finally, training managers on the importance of balancing extrinsic rewards with intrinsic recognition can foster a culture where employees remain engaged and motivated by their work itself.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, stemming from personal interest or enjoyment rather than external rewards.

Extrinsic Motivation: Motivation that comes from outside an individual, such as rewards, money, or praise, rather than from the activity itself.

Self-Regulation: The ability to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in pursuit of long-term goals, often involving setting standards and monitoring progress.