Myths of Intrinsic Motivation

This book is one scientist’s answer to Daniel Pink’s book, Drive, which claims that extrinsic incentives -- money, bonuses, praise, and recognition -- have the paradoxical effect of lessening intrinsic motivation. The author, Steven Reiss, is a retired Ohio State University professor who has followed the scientific issues surrounding motivation for more than 35 years. Reiss cites multiple flaws with the underlying science, discusses studies and scholarly literature reviews not mentioned in Pink’s book, and cites respected researchers who do not believe that extrinsic incentives undermine intrinsic motivation. Pink presented only one side of controversial issues; Reiss presents the other side. This is a must read for anyone interested in intrinsic motivation in schools and business.