Question

Laurence works at a local fast-food restaurant and is asked to extend his shift late into the night, even though he has already made other plans. Which of the following would most likely result in overjustification if Laurence were to work the shift?

A) Laurence enjoys his job and finds it fulfilling
B) Laurence is paid an additional bonus for working late
C) Laurence was planning to stay up late anyway
D) Laurence is promised a promotion for working late

Answer 1

The most likely scenario to cause overjustification for Laurence working the late shift at the restaurant is if he is offered an additional bonus, undermining his intrinsic motivation.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Laurence were to work the late shift, the scenario most likely to result in overjustification is B) Laurence is paid an additional bonus for working late. Overjustification occurs when an external incentive like a bonus diminishes a person's intrinsic motivation to perform an activity that they originally found inherently rewarding. If Laurence enjoys his job at the restaurant for its own sake and is then offered a financial reward to work hours that conflict with his plans, this could lead to him viewing his job as less enjoyable and more of a chore. Consequently, the enjoyment he derives from his job may decrease because his motivation has shifted from intrinsic enjoyment to external compensation.