Self-determination theory relies on the assumption that people are naturally inclined to be proactive and move towards greater integration in self-functioning. Instead of the term self-actualizing, self-determination theory uses the term …show more content…
The theory also asserts that human beings have three basic psychological needs, which are: (1) the need for competence, (2) the need for autonomy, and (3) the need for relatedness. These needs are essential for self-realization and must be met for an individual to be considered “full-functioning”. Needs can be learned desires, or necessities for health and well-being.
The need for competence is simply the desire to interact effectively with a person’s environment and surroundings. This need motivates people to move outside of their comfort zone and push themselves to achieve more. The need for relatedness is the need to feel like a part of the collective group and have tight emotional connections with others. The need for autonomy is the need for choice, willingness, and one’s own volition as it relates to their …show more content…
Extrinsically motivated behaviors are different because they typically rely on some type of consequence, whether positive or negative. Numerous studies show us that autonomous motivations contribute to positive outcomes in many areas of an individual’s life, which shows us that we need to provide continual autonomous support to others and meet their basic needs in order to help them realize their full potential and become full-functioning.
According to Krauss in Psychology Today, “the most satisfying activities you can engage in, the ones that will motivate you the most, are those that allow you to feel most in control of our behavior” (Krauss, 2011). That’s not to say that individuals cannot be motivated by extrinsic rewards, but the more autonomous you are, the more self-directed you will be, and your work performance will likely improve and be more satisfying to you, so getting paid to fulfill that need is like a