To begin with, it should be noted that motivation – is a dynamic process of managing human behavior, which determines its direction, organization, activity and stability, as well as the ability of human to meet his needs, according to D. H. Schunk (2009).
As a fact, extrinsic motivation is not related to the content of certain activities, but is due to the external circumstances of the subject. According to Novella Thompson (2011), extrinsic motivation consists of all the external factors, which are for us the symbols of any goods: money, career, housing, travel, new social status, etc. In turn, intrinsic motivation is related with the actual content of work, but not with the external circumstances. As a fact, intrinsic motivation is hidden inside each of us. According to Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation (2010), it may be a need for communication, the need to feel yourself important, the need of new knowledge, the desire to feel free, etc. Intrinsic motivation for most people is much stronger than the extrinsic.
It is extremely important to mention that internal and external motivations are interrelated. Intrinsic motivation can be compared with an engine that makes us move toward our goal and extrinsic motivation – with the fuel for this engine. For example, if you feel the need to love and be loved (internal factor), then, as a rule, you want to make a family (external factor). In other words, extrinsic motivation is a guide, which shows in what direction we must move to satisfy our needs.
My main goal is to become an excellent specialist, a professional in my field of activity. As a fact, I have the need to feel myself important, the desire of self realization – is my intrinsic motivation. Then, I want to have significant salary, have high social status, which are external factors.
References
D. H. Schunk (2009). Characteristics of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation. Retrieved November 9, 2011 from http://www.education.com/reference/article/characteristics-intrinsic-extrinsic/
Intrinsic And Extrinsic Motivation (2010). Retrieved November 9, 2011 from http://www.selfmotivationresources.com/intrinsicandextrinsicmotivation.php
Novella Thompson (2011). The Difference Between Intrinsic Motivation & Extrinsic Motivation. Retrieved November 9, 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/174305-the-difference-between-intrinsic-motivation-extrinsic-motivation/