Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2018

6.0 - Main findings, Analysis, and Discussion

6.1 - The theory of Daniel Pink

Daniel Pink emphasizes that there are three essential elements of intrinsic motivation: mastery, autonomy and purpose (Stimpson and Smith, 2015).

Pink believes that extrinsic motivation is outdated and do not effectively satisfy the demands of the creative and innovative workplaces of the 21st century. Pink highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation for any business striving for innovation.

Mastery

Mastery refers to opportunities that allow employees to learn through creating new things and innovating. Mastery is achieved when they are given tasks that are challenging to the extent in which they are not too challenging (Lomine, Muchena and Pierce, 2014). Tasks enhancing mastery are those in which allows the employee to step out of their comfort zone and thus, develop their skill set further. Musk sets this environment for his employees when he sets goals definitely out of anyone’s comfort zone.

Autonomy

Pink suggests that our “self-direction is a natural inclination” (Stimpson and Smith, 2015). This is when employees are given real control over the various aspects of their work (Lomine, Muchena and Pierce, 2014). Essentially, the freedom in the way they work and when they work.

Purpose

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