Which factor helps unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers?

Question

Options

• APay-for-performance
• BAutonomy
• CParallel development
• DTeam performance incentives

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  94% (58)
• C
  3% (2)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Autonomy unlocks intrinsic motivation in knowledge workers because it gives them control over how, when, and what they work on - satisfying the deep human need for self-direction that drives genuine engagement and creativity (a core principle in Self-Determination Theory and Daniel Pink's Drive). Pay-for-performance (A) is an extrinsic motivator that research consistently shows can actually undermine intrinsic motivation by shifting focus from the work itself to the reward. Parallel development (C) is a software engineering technique for managing concurrent workstreams, not a motivational concept. Team performance incentives (D) are also extrinsic and group-level, addressing collective output rather than individual internal drive.

Memory tip: Think "A for Agency" - Autonomy gives workers agency, and agency is the engine of intrinsic motivation.

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