What is an extrinsic reward?

An extrinsic reward refers to motivation or benefits that originate from an external source rather than from within an individual. This type of reward is typically tangible and can include aspects like bonuses, pay raises, or public acknowledgment for achievements. In a workplace setting, extrinsic rewards can serve to reinforce behaviors, encourage productivity, and promote team success by offering incentives that are recognized and valued by employees.

Understanding extrinsic rewards is vital in the context of workplace motivation strategies. These rewards can motivate individuals to perform tasks and can often be seen as rewards for achieving specific goals or completing objectives.

In contrast, the other options provided refer to different forms of motivation or recognition. Internal sources of motivation, such as personal satisfaction or intrinsic enjoyment gained from a task, fall under intrinsic rewards. Recognition or praise from peers might be seen as an external acknowledgment but is often framed as a social reward rather than a direct incentive. Lastly, inherent benefits highlight the advantages gained from task completion that stem from the task itself, which aligns more with intrinsic motivations rather than extrinsic.