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Components of the Self Determination Theory Essay

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Do I have to? I don’t want to do the dishes. Sound familiar? People are motivated to engage in activities throughout life and in the workplace that fulfill their basic needs, and avoid activities that do not meet their needs. Research by Deci and Ryan (1985) supports the self- determination theory as a formal theory that defines intrinsic and varied extrinsic sources of motivation and a description of the respective roles of intrinsic and types of extrinsic motivation in cognitive and social development and in individual differences. Extrinsic motivators come in various forms, creating positive and some negative results when meeting individual basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness.
Needs
Autonomy
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All meet the needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy to achieve more.
Written
Written notes, e-mails, or a thank you letter from the supervisor on a job well done, is a tangible reminder of their appreciation. The employee can post it on their wall in their office and look at it to motivate them to strive to achieve the common goal. A note from the teacher in a child’s folder complimenting on their behavior, motivates the child to continue the behavior pattern in class. Written acknowledgment meets the needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy to achieve more.
Reward
A reward is a high extrinsic motivator. The reward can be monetary, gift certificate, day off with pay, a two hour lunch, or working for two hours on anything but work. All entice performance and competition in the workplace. A gold star, being the teacher’s helper for a day, no daily house chores for a week, and money, are all extrinsic awards in life children strive for. Reward acknowledgment meets the needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy to achieve more.
Public Recognition
Award ceremonies, an employee’s name published in the paper, or an announcement of recognition in a board meeting, are all representative of public recognition to motivate employees. A name announced at a school assembly, sporting event, or team competition, are all representative of public recognition to motivate children

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