Motivation & self-determination theory

Motivation can be defined as the process that accounts for an individual's intensity, direction and persistence of efforts toward attaining a goal. Intensity is concerned with how hard an individual tries. Direction refers to the degree to which the efforts are channelled toward things that benefit the organisation. Persistence measures how long a person can maintain their effort.

Explain self-determination theory.
Self-determination theory states that allocating extrinsic rewards for behaviour that had been previously intrinsically rewarding tends to decrease the overall level of motivation if the rewards are seen as controlling. When people are paid for work, it feels less like something they want to do and more like something they have to do. Self-determination theory proposes that, in addition to being driven by a need for autonomy, people seek ways to achieve competence and positive connections to others. A large number of studies support self-determination theory.