Components of the Self Determination Theory

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Do I have to? I don’t want to do the dishes. Sound familiar? People are motivated to engage in activities throughout life and in the workplace that fulfill their basic needs, and avoid activities that do not meet their needs. Research by Deci and Ryan (1985) supports the self- determination theory as a formal theory that defines intrinsic and varied extrinsic sources of motivation and a description of the respective roles of intrinsic and types of extrinsic motivation in cognitive and social development and in individual differences. Extrinsic motivators come in various forms, creating positive and some negative results when meeting individual basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness.
Needs
Autonomy
La Guardia (2009) found “autonomy literally means “self-rule” and refers to actions that are self-initiated and regulated” (p. 92). Autonomy in the workplace provides a greater sense of satisfaction coupled with greater responsibility. Not all employees want to take on the added responsibility for the benefit of freedom. The goal of autonomy is a dream of all children under eighteen years of age, which do not want a boss controlling their lives any longer. Autonomy is an ongoing need in the workplace and in life.
Competence
The need for competence is knowing a person has the knowledge and ability to act effectively in a job or in life. Competence is also an ongoing need to be met. Developing skills in the workplace to complete a task, or learning how to cook for the soccer team dinner are competencies people try to achieve to be successful.
Relatedness
The relatedness need is the pursuit of belonging. Relatedness is the sense that the person is connected to the group or others. Relatedness in the workplace c...

... middle of paper ...

...cel. They receive nothing higher for new performance. Conclusion
Being competent in what motivates different people, can fulfill autonomy goals and fulfill relatedness with others when accomplishing a common goal. Incompetence in motivational skills can have negative results with others and for the company. Remembering everyone in life is continually striving to meet their own personal needs of autonomy, relatedness and competence; can guide you in choosing which motivational technique can achieve the best result for all.

Works Cited

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum.

La Guardia, J. G. (2009). Developing Who I Am: A Self-Determination Theory Approach to the Establishment of Healthy Identities. Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 90-104.
doi:10.1080/00461520902832350

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