Incremental effects of reward on intrinsic interest and creativity: the role of performance pressure
Date
2005
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
A laboratory study and two field studies examined the mediational role of performance pressure in the positive relationship of rewards for superior performance with intrinsic interest and creativity. Study 1 found that performance pressure and perceived self-determination mediated a positive association between performance-reward expectancy and intrinsic job interest among employees working in diverse occupations. Study 2 replicated these findings and showed that performance-reward expectancy was positively related to employees' creativity on the job as mediated by intrinsic job interest. Study 3 found that college students who were promised a reward for high performance exhibited enhanced performance pressure, intrinsic interest, and creativity.