Why we do what we do : understanding self-motivation

Author(s)

• Deci, Edward L.
• Flaste, Richard

Bibliographic Information

Why we do what we do : understanding self-motivation

Edward L. Deci with Richard Flaste

（Penguin books, . Psychology business）

Penguin Books, 1996, c1995

Note

"First published ... by G. P. Putnam's Sons 1995."--T.p. verso

Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-222) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

What motivates us as students, employees, and individuals? If you reward your children for doing their homework, they will usually respond by getting it done. But is this the most effective method of motivation? No, says psychologist Edward L. Deci, who challenges traditional thinking and shows that this method actually works against performance. The best way to motivate people-at school, at work, or at home-is to support their sense of autonomy. Explaining the reasons why a task is important and then allowing as much personal freedom as possible in carrying out the task will stimulate interest and commitment, and is a much more effective approach than the standard system of reward and punishment. We are all inherently interested in the world, argues Deci, so why not nurture that interest in each other? Instead of asking, "How can I motivate people?" we should be asking, "How can I create the conditions within which people will motivate themselves?""An insightful and provocative meditation on how people can become more genuinely engaged and succesful in pursuing their goals." -Publisher's Weekly

Table of Contents

Why We Do What We DoOne Authority and Its Discontents Part One: The Importance of Autonomy And Competence Two I'm Only in It for the Money: Early Experiments on Rewards and Alienation Three The Need for Personal Autonomy Four Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: The Yields of Each Five Engaging the World with a Sense of Competence Part Two: The Role Of Interpersonal Connectedness Six The Inner Force of Developement Seven When Society Beckons Eight The Self in a Social World Nine When Society Corrupts Part Three: How It All Works Ten How to Promote Autonomy Eleven Promoting Healthy Behavior Twelve Being Autonomous Amidst the Controls Part Four: Conclusion Thirteen The Meaning of Human Freedom Notes on Works Cited List of Research Articles Index

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

• NCID: BA55942649
• ISBN:
  • 9780140255263
• Country Code: us
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Place of Publication: New York
• Pages/Volumes: viii, 230 p.
• Size: 20 cm
• Parent Bibliography ID:
  • BA00474814