Final answer:
Intrinsic motivation in the workplace can lead to enhanced job satisfaction and performance. It may be impacted by extrinsic rewards, with intangible rewards like praise having a potentially positive effect. A supportive work environment that offers employees control and recognition is essential for maintaining high intrinsic motivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The benefits of intrinsic motivation in the workplace are significant. Intrinsic motivation, which comes from within an individual, can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction and sense of fulfillment. On the one hand, extrinsic motivators, like monetary compensation, can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation when the task is perceived as an obligation rather than a choice. This phenomenon is called the overjustification effect. However, other studies suggest that intrinsic motivation can be resilient to the effects of extrinsic rewards, especially when those rewards come as a pleasant surprise or take the form of verbal praise.
In an educational context, students feel more intrinsically motivated when classroom environments foster a sense of belonging, respect, and grant them some control over their learning. Likewise, employees in the workplace have a similar response. According to symbolic interactionist research, employees are most motivated when they feel they have control over their work, participate in decision-making processes, are free from excessive surveillance, and are considered integral to the work's outcome.
Essentially, whether intrinsic motivation remains high or not depends on the nature of the extrinsic motivation and how it is perceived. Intangible rewards, such as verbal praise, can bolster intrinsic motivation more than tangible rewards. In the workplace, fostering an environment where employees feel empowered and appreciated can help maintain high levels of intrinsic motivation and therefore lead to better overall job satisfaction and performance.