The promise of attaining a specific reward in exchange for learning how to do a task particularly well, or just for a long period of time, can be a powerful motivator if the reward itself has meaning to the individual. The promise of seeing an amoeba, for example, proved motivation for one child to learn to use a microscope and keep using it long after many such Christmas gifts have been discarded by other children (Dillard, n.d.).
Intrinsic rewards-such as a love of learning-are generally considered better long-term motivators than extrinsic motivation. In some cases, extrinsic rewards are even considered to lessen the motivation of individuals such as students working for cash (Guernsey, 2009).
Many individuals feel that they must put aside their internal rewards in order to make a paycheck. This can require working at a job they do not like for rewards that are short-lived, but important-such as a regular paycheck. As more manufacturing jobs move overseas, some analysts consider that more intellectually and creatively rewarding jobs will remain (Pink, 2009).
Ultimately, says one author, the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic rewards is artificial, suggesting that one (intrinsic) is more valuable and long-lasting than the other. People are motivated by different things, whether money, competition, recognition, intellectual challenge or other factors, and the challenge is to determine which factors are effective motivators for which people ("Intrinsic Motivation," 2005). This, for most of us, seems the best approach.
Dillard, A. (n.d.). Handed my own life. Retrieved 8 Dec 2009: Guernsey, L. (2009, March 3). Rewards for students under a microscope. New York Times. Retrieved 8 Dec 2009: