Myths of Intrinsic Motivation

by Steven Reiss, Michael J. Formica (Editor)

This book is one scientist’s answer to Daniel Pink’s book, Drive, which claims that extrinsic incentives -- money, bonuses, praise, and recognition -- have the paradoxical effect of lessening intrinsic motivation. The author, Steven Reiss, is a retired Ohio State University professor who has followed the scientific issues surrounding motivation for more than 35 years. Reiss cites multiple flaws with the underlying science, discusses studies and scholarly literature reviews not mentioned in Pink’s book, and cites respected researchers who do not believe that extrinsic incentives undermine intrinsic motivation. Pink presented only one side of controversial issues; Reiss presents the other side. This is a must read for anyone interested in intrinsic motivation in schools and business.

63 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

PhD

Reviews

[Chris Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting counterpoint to the popular notion of stark separation between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.