What drives individuals to act in exchange for tangible rewards?

The concept of extrinsic rewards refers to tangible incentives that motivate individuals to engage in specific behaviors or achieve certain goals. This could include bonuses, promotions, or other forms of recognition that are not inherently part of the task itself. When people are driven by extrinsic rewards, their desire to perform a task is influenced by the prospect of receiving something of value in return for their efforts.

This motivation is often particularly effective in situations where external validation is necessary or where immediate rewards enhance motivation. For example, a salesperson may be motivated to exceed targets because of a potential monetary bonus, demonstrating how the presence of a concrete reward can effectively drive actions.

Intrinsic motivation, internal satisfaction, and self-reflection refer to internal states and personal fulfillment that are not specifically linked to external rewards. While these factors influence behavior by fulfilling personal interests or values, they do not directly relate to acting primarily for external, tangible rewards.