Self Determination Theory Analysis

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This study will use the Self Determination Theory as its fundamental theoretical framework. The theoretical framework in use is defined as a formal theory which strongly emphasizes intrinsic and extrinsic forms of motivation in terms of the vital role they play in cognitive construction and social development within individuals. Based on literature gathered from Buitendach (2011) intrinsic motivation refers to doing an activity for its own sake. Thus, one goes into a particular activity to enjoy it or merely just for self-fulfilment purposes (p.4).
Whereas in contrast, according to Meyer and Gagner (2008), extrinsic motivation of the self-determination theory refers to engaging in an activity for instrumental reasons , thus extrinsic motivators are viewed to be made up of two cornerstones namely external regulations which are seen to be actions that are performed with the expectation of receiving a reward or avoiding punishment , the second cornerstone is integration which is defined as form of expressing one’s state (as cited in Buitendach , 2011, p.4).
The main hypothesis behind this theory is that people have three basic psychological needs which the organisation must help to fulfil. These three …show more content…

For the sake of our research, we will focus on the external and interjected regulation of motivation which emphasizes strongly the external contingencies of reward and punishment. Financial rewards are seen to be very instrumental factors in forming part of extrinsic forms of autonomy, thus fulfilling or improving the financial factor for both permanent staff and supporting staff members may prove to have some significant effects on their overall levels of job satisfaction, happiness and wellbeing (Parlalis, 2011,