Intrinsic Motivation/Incentives

["Debora Ruel" <debora.ruel@btinternet.com>]

SELF-WORTH

To have that sense of one's intrinsic
worth which constitutes self-respect
is potentially to have everything.

John Didion

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Is this where intrinsic motivation derives from, the inevitable
need to proceed in ways of living in a quality manner because
that is naturally what follows self-respect?  Wouldn't it be the
leaders' responsibilities to provide "mirrors"
that enhance the self-respect/intrinsic motivation in order to
accomplish an aim?  Of course, one must decide whether or not
the aim is worth accomplishing.  Wouldn't *that* be a topic
for contemplation, and a change in situation if necessary,
by the leaders?  

Also, one cannot give what one does not have.  Therefore, if
one does not have self-respect/intrinsic motivation, how can
one model it for another?  Do we as leaders
each have self-respect?  Are we "mirrors" as managers/
teachers/parents/government servants/etc?

If the problem dwells within the system, and we create the system,
then the problem might dwell within us - not necessarily the components
of the system.  


Vina Vani wrote:

"Let me elaborate on this. In India there were many organisations( 
textile industries, I know) who used to provide security to 
the employees in their personal crisis though there were no awards. 
This was done by setting up separate trust and from this trust, 
scholarships to their children, financial help in very serious health 
problems in the family or loans for housing and other purposes were 
provided. In few incidents even toplevel managers would visit and 
help them. All this would be apart from the  routine welfare of the 
employees. This would certianly make them feel that they will be 
taken care of if they work for the organisation. I think this 
improves the intrinsic motivation and lasts for longer time."

Yes, Vina, it does last for a longer time for feelings of self-respect,
some via being cared for by others, settle deeper than any external 
show.  In your example, it sounds as if it was done in sincerity,
and not for capital gain.  There *is* a difference, and people *are*
wise to it.


Vina also wrote:

"Being Indian, let me cite an example of Gandhiji, who was motivated 
by external forces to fight British Empire but he could fight for 
independence of India for a long time because he was intrinsically 
motivated."

I've learned that people like Gandhiji pressed on through intrinsic 
motivation versus external incentives because they saw themselves 
in others; they respected others and wanted to provide a quality 
way of living as they would for themselves.  Although they worked 
from self intrinsic motivation, their actions were anything but selfish.  

Am I wrong in understanding that part of Dr. Deming's philosophy
is to encompass all involved through intrinsic motivation, such as
Jim MacIngvale did in the essay from the UKDN when he adopted 
Deming's way in sharing profits?  Regardless if Jim wanted to improve
business, he changed his system to one that exhibits respect and worth
to each employee - not to the chosen "better" ones.  He spoke as
though he was sincere in his desire to respect each person's value as an
employee.  I know I would feel good being on the receiving end, 
particularly if I was determined not a "better" one previously. 
The change would certainly enhance my self-respect (albeit externally).  
And I would be intrinsically motivated to give, maybe even
sub-consciously, what I now possess: respect.

Debbi Ruel
debora.ruel@btinternet.com
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