Why the Competition-Oriented Reform Failed: The Interaction Effect Between Intrinsic Motivation and Group Cohesion

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Abstract

This study examines the reason for the failure of competition-oriented reforms in promoting teacher competence. The focus is on the interaction effect between intrinsic motivation and group cohesion. Through literature review and empirical analysis, this paper finds that competition-oriented policies have a positive impact on intrinsic motivation, which has a unidirectional causal relationship with teacher competence. However, due to the negative interaction between intrinsic motivation and group cohesion, and the high level of group cohesion in school organizations, teacher competence cannot be improved. This paper argues that competition-oriented reforms in schools with high cohesion will only have negative effects in the short term, which is of great significance to policymakers who seek to improve school quality and enhance teacher competence.

Authors

• Wen Li, Beijing Normal University

• Qian Zhao, Beijing Normal University

• Sijing He, Beijing Normal University