The self-determination theory
The self-determination theory, as addressed in the article, provides a distinction between autonomous and controlled motivation. In this context, autonomy implies supporting the action of an individual at the highest level f reflection. The study identifies intrinsic motivation as an illustration of autonomous motivation. The author identified that the variance of extrinsic motivation only takes place to the extent of its autonomous versus controlled. The assessment of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation requires the use of integrated regulation. Integrated regulation is a replica of an advanced form of extrinsic motivation. The motivation is sharing some qualities with intrinsic motivation as autonomous motivation. The author identified intrinsic motivation and integrated extrinsic motivation makes up the two distinct types of autonomous motivation. The nutriments for intrinsic motivation and internalization are provided for by the basic psychological needs of the article. This has been supported by the argument about individuals feeling competent and autonomous to remain intrinsically motivated.
In the article, the author addressed another critical issue, social context, and internalization, whereby the social context aspects provide support to intrinsic motivation with facilitating internalization of extrinsic motivation. The author provided an example of fathers’ and mothers supporting competence, relatedness, and autonomy in line with children’s homework, demonstrating that children would remain intrinsically motivated to school work and conceptualize important activities related to school. Hence this will improve the performance and adjustment of the children. With autonomy, the orientation context is experienced as autonomy-supportive and ought to be self-determined. With control orientation, social control is controlling and require to be controlled. Finally, the impersonal orientation is an indication of a tendency that needs to be amotivatetd.
The reading has impacted on my life differently by providing me with knowledge about motivation. It clarifies intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how they can be seen in the workplace. I have realized in some instances in my life where these motivations were applied. Similarly, the paper has identified other motivation theories like goal-setting theory, which addresses how behaviors and performance are maximized with goals. Other theories applicable mentioned in the article include action regulation theory, Kanfer’s task-specific motivation, job characteristic theory, needs and motives, Kelman’s theory, and organizational commitment.