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THE MORALIZATION OF INTRINSIC MOTIVATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND PERILS

delete2026-01-01
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PRE
AI
M
Mijeong Kwon *
L
Laura Sonday
DOI:10.5465/amr.2021.0467delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Scholars have traditionally treated motivation as a value-neutral state divorced from normative considerations. Yet, research across the social sciences suggests a growing moral imperative to love work, which carries with it the social expectation of intrinsic motivation. This normative pressure stems from the moralization of intrinsic motivation, wherein enjoyment of work is converted into a virtue. While research and practice emphasize positive work outcomes associated with intrinsic motivation, we argue that the moralization of intrinsic motivation is not wholly beneficial. Normative pressure to do what you love can encourage people to pursue and cultivate highly satisfying work for themselves and others. At the same time, however, it can lead to the neglect of security-related concerns (e.g., stable employment) and uninteresting tasks. Moreover, it can elicit discriminatory behavior against those who are presumed to lack intrinsic motivation or who exhibit other viable forms of motivation, impacting overall cohesion and conflict within organizations. Our framework explains how intrinsic motivation becomes morally laden, and the opportunities and perils it presents at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels.
Keywords:
SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY
WORK VALUES
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
GENERATIONAL-DIFFERENCES
EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION
EXTRINSIC REWARDS
MORAL EMOTIONS
JOB
PASSION
PERFORMANCE

Journal

Academy of Management Review cover
Academy of Management Review
IF:
13.9
Papers:
1.2K
Citations:
4.2W

Organization

University of Colorado System cover
University of Colorado System
Scholars:
6.2W
Papers: 5.5W
Citations: 1.8K
U
university of colorado denver
Scholars:
209
Papers: 136
Citations: 0
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