External and internal motivation: definition, features of formation and factors

In life it is very important to motivate yourself and other people. From this, in general, the effectiveness of educational or professional activity depends. To properly motivate, you need to know what is external, internal motivation, the features of their formation.

Definition of concepts

External motivation is the motivation to work through forces from outside. That is, people perceive the reasons for their behavior as imposed, and consider themselves only a pawn. This motivation is regulated by external material and psychological conditions: money, reward and even punishment. The motivation for action is built on incentives that flow from the current situation.

Internal motivation is conditioned by the needs for competence and personal choice, which are leading to the human "I". With this kind of motivation, people understand that they are the true cause of what is being done, and perceive themselves when interacting with the environment as an effective agent. That is, in the case of internal motivation, needs, interests, intentions, goals, desires, self-confidence, the possibility of self-realization, a sense of satisfaction from work are used.

Let's consider separately each type of motivation.

External motivation

The employees promised a prize, they started to work faster. Established fines and rules, people began to rely on them, whether they like it or not. A sudden storm cloud makes you run home faster. The criminal sent a gun at you and demanded money - you will immediately give your purse.

All these are examples of external motivation. As already mentioned, it induces action through circumstances or incentives. In another way, it can be said that these are achievements in the surrounding society. Of course, the internal motivation of activity is much more effective. However, this kind of influence on individual people influences better.

So, what are the ways to act as an external motivation? Career growth, a large salary, prestigious things (apartment, house, car), status, the ability to travel, recognition.

External motivation can change constantly. Yesterday you had to earn money to support your family, and tomorrow money will be needed for a new apartment, car or education of children. The most obvious and classic example of such motivation is a fairy tale about a gold fish and a fisherman.

Internal motivation

A small child is constantly trying something or exploring. He is really important and interesting. A man does not work for wages, but because of his favorite business. These are examples of internal motivation. As already mentioned, it does not depend on external factors and environment. The very content of the activity prompts the person to do this.

What can be used as an internal motivation? The possibility of personal growth, a sense of need, self-affirmation, the realization of ideas, creativity, the need for communication, the fulfillment of dreams.

Internal motivation of the employee is when he considers his work as a paid hobby. Perhaps, if not all, then many people would like to strive for this.

It is much more effective to use both types of motivation. The main thing is to maintain balance and balance between them.

How do motivation factors work?

In fact, all motivational factors can be reduced to two ideas:

1. Enjoy. These are positive factors.
2. Get rid of the unpleasant. These are already negative factors.

All of them can be both external and internal. Simultaneous presence of positive and negative factors favorably affects the action. It turns out a very powerful push, a kind of pull-push. On the one hand, a person wants to receive a reward, and on the other hand - avoids punishment.

External and internal motivation, positive and negative factors act in different ways, in different directions and always lead to unequal results. Of course, people are affected by all types of exposure to a certain extent. However, you can see that every person still gives preference to one direction. One must constantly be urged, threatened, and the other must promise a reward.

For clarity, below is a table that can be used to motivate employees.

Ratio of factors and types of motivation

An example of applying knowledge about motivation

The above story will tell and visually show how external and internal motivation works.

Under the windows of an elderly woman, a company of children gathered every evening to play and talk very noisily. Naturally, the old woman did not like it, but her requests and persuasion to spend her free time in another place did not help. Then she decided to change the situation in another way.

Every day, a woman gave children fifty rubles for playing very well around her house. Of course, such a layout guys liked! The old woman gradually began to reduce this amount. And at one point, when it seemed to the children that they were cheap, they simply refused to play under its windows and did not appear there anymore.

That's the tricky way a woman decided the situation. The internal motivation of children (own desire to play under the windows) was transferred to the outside (to do it for money), but then she disappeared too.

Motivation of others

People who are motivated by aspiration, do not pay attention to comfort. They are driven by the implementation of personal interests and the goals of the organization. Employees who are driven by punishment, will not perform what deprives the comfort zone.

It is very important to take into account external positive factors. It's money, reliability, conditions and security. No less important role is played by internal positive factors. These are achievements, growth, authority, recognition and responsibility. Only the right combination of these factors will give satisfaction with work. With their absence, work becomes hateful and unbearable. In this regard, the motivation of students or schoolchildren is no different. It is important that the internal educational motivation prevails.

Symptoms of the motivating environment

When organizing any activity, it is important to consider several requirements. They are simply necessary to meet the needs and form the right motivation:

• Activities must be creative and diverse.
• The ability to develop when performing tasks.
• Feeling of belonging to the group and recognition from her side.
• The right to make decisions independently within the scope of their competence.
• Feeling of support and help.
• The presence of external attributes of success: praise, encouragement, compliment.
• Meaningfulness of the required actions.
• Opportunity to express your own opinion, which will take note.
• Availability and timeliness of the information received.
• Feedback after work done.

If all these signs (or at least the majority) are present in the organization of activities, then we can assume that the formation of internal motivation will be successful.

Self-Motivation is the engine of progress

For meaningful movement it is important to know where and where to go, and also to have a great desire. That is, self-motivation is necessary. How to achieve it? Follow the rules and rules listed below:

• Set yourself only achievable goals. This is the only way to achieve them.
• Split large goals into small tasks.
• Keep a diary of achievements.
• Constantly reward yourself with reward for completed tasks.
• Try to use as little criticism as possible.
• Look for like-minded people in your business.
• Try to compete with others and become the best.
• Surround yourself with only positive and motivated people.
• Read books and watch films that motivate you.

Try to implement, if not all, then at least a few points, and you will definitely have a desire to get down to business! Remember that it is important to use positive and negative factors, internal and external motivation, in order to achieve a good result.