Difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

The intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are two different types of motivation and both can be influenced in turn by other types of motivation, say negative or positive.

In all motivation, the person’s desire, motive, and outcome are the common denominators.

As their names indicate, intrinsic motivation is that which comes from the person himself; it is internal, while the extrinsic comes from factors external to the individual. In a sense, both motivations serve the incentive or the reward.

These two types of motivation are applicable to some industries and to all types of people. Sometimes both one and the other can exist independently or in combination with each other when it comes to human activities.

Intrinsic motivation is voluntary. It is often triggered by the following factors: interest, pleasure, pride, internal reward, personal fulfillment, skills, competencies, beliefs, and internal needs. It is a motivation with elements of autonomy, personal goals and enthusiasm.

In most cases, intrinsic motivation is more favored, since it is voluntary and does not require force. In addition, people with intrinsic motivations are more cooperative and less competitive with other people, all this simply to mention that they maintain an interest in something for a longer period of time.

Extrinsic motivation is the opposite of intrinsic motivation, because in this case a reward or external approval is sought. It is not born of oneself. Among the main causes of this type of motivation can be mentioned: strength, pressure, recognition, praise, comfort, sense of grief and social support.

Depending on the situation, external rewards can reinforce or undermine internal beliefs and needs.

Extrinsic motivation can make some people more competitive and aggressive with others when they seek the same reward.

Speaking of rewards, tangible rewards play a fundamental role in extrinsic motivation, while in intrinsic what they move are intangible rewards.

Key differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

1. Intrinsic motivation comes from the individual himself, while extrinsic motivation depends on external factors.
2. For extrinsic motivation tangible rewards are fundamental, while for intrinsic motivation intangible rewards matter more.
3. Usually compared to extrinsic; Intrinsic motivation makes people interested in something last longer.