Pay and intrinsic motivation: It is not about amount and performance but trust building and timing

• In Event: ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR and HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Recruitment, Motivation, and Retention in Workplaces

Abstract

Pay is a core rewarding tool in human resource management systems. Though pay is a reason for employees to work for, the motivational nature of pay is sidelined as an external source for extrinsic motivation. Let alone exploring its possibility of contributing to intrinsic motivation, pay is believed to be detrimental to intrinsic motivation. This study proposes that pay can function as a critical source for intrinsic motivation when it is managed properly. Based off SDT and psychological ownership concept, this study argues that forward pay could be instrumental in building trust, which will lead to sustainable intrinsic work motivation.

Authors

• Shanggeun Rhee, Kean University

• Silvana Trimi, University of Nebraska-Lincoln