The Power of Workplace Rewards: Using Self-Determination Theory to Understand Why Reward Satisfaction Matters for Workers Around the World

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-148
Author(s):  
Anaïs Thibault Landry ◽  
Ashley Whillans
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional

How can workplace rewards promote employee well-being and engagement? To answer these questions, we utilized self-determination theory to examine whether reward satisfaction predicted employee well-being, job satisfaction, intrinsic motivation and affective commitment, as well as valuable organizational outcomes, such as workplace contribution and loyalty. Specifically, we investigated the role of three universal psychological needs—autonomy, competence and relatedness—in explaining whether and why reward satisfaction matters for employees’ well-being. We tested our model in a large, cross-sectional study with full-time employees working for multinational corporations in six main world regions: Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, North America and Oceania ( N = 5,852). Consistent with our theorizing, we found cross-cultural evidence that reward satisfaction promoted greater employee functioning through psychological need satisfaction, contributing to better organizational outcomes. Critically, our results were consistent regardless of geographic location. As such, this study provides some of the strongest evidence to date for the power of understanding psychological mechanisms in the workplace: Regardless of the actual rewards that employees received, how workplace rewards made employees feel significantly predicted their optimal functioning.

scholarly journals The benefits of need satisfaction depend on their relative importance for people with a unidimensional identity: an idiographic analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freya Glendinning ◽  
Tim Woodman ◽  
Lew Hardy ◽  
Chin Wei Ong
Keyword(s):  
Specific Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Relative Value

AbstractSelf-determination theory proposes that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs is equally beneficial for everyone – the Universal Hypothesis. Equally, there are intra-individual differences in how the satisfaction of differentially important needs might be differentially beneficial, which we term the Intra-individual Hypothesis. We aimed to reconcile these positions. Across four cross-sectional studies (ns = 300 rock climbers, 323 sportspeople, 394 UK and Chinese adults, 320 UK adults), we investigated the needs of individuals with varying dimensions to their identity, and their motivation and self-esteem. In Studies 1, 2, and 4, when individuals strongly related their sense of identity to investment in a specific activity, the association between need satisfaction and self-esteem (and motivation in Studies 1–2) depended on their intra-individual need importance, supporting the Intra-individual Hypothesis. In Studies 3 and 4, for individuals with a multidimensional identity, the association between need satisfaction and self-esteem did not depend on the importance of each need, supporting the Universal Hypothesis. The satisfaction of basic psychological needs is not always uniform in its link with motivation and well-being. The degree to which individuals have a unidimensional or multidimensional self-concept appears fruitful in predicting the relative value of the Universal Hypothesis and the Intra-individual Hypothesis.

scholarly journals Self-Determination Theory and Diminished Functioning

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1459-1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley J. Bartholomew ◽  
Nikos Ntoumanis ◽  
Richard M. Ryan ◽  
Jos A. Bosch ◽  
Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani
Keyword(s):  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Need Thwarting ◽  
Latent Factor Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies

Drawing from self-determination theory, three studies explored the social-environmental conditions that satisfy versus thwart psychological needs and, in turn, affect psychological functioning and well-being or ill-being. In cross-sectional Studies 1 and 2, structural equation modeling analyses supported latent factor models in which need satisfaction was predicted by athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support, and need thwarting was better predicted by coach control. Athletes’ perceptions of need satisfaction predicted positive outcomes associated with sport participation (vitality and positive affect), whereas need thwarting more consistently predicted maladaptive outcomes (disordered eating, burnout, depression, negative affect, and physical symptoms). In addition, athletes’ perceptions of psychological need thwarting were significantly associated with perturbed physiological arousal (elevated levels of secretory immunoglobulin A) prior to training. The final study involved the completion of a diary and supported the relations observed in the cross-sectional studies at a daily level. These findings have important implications for the operationalization and measurement of interpersonal styles and psychological needs.

scholarly journals Antecedents of Perceived Coach Interpersonal Behaviors: The Coaching Environment and Coach Psychological Well- and Ill-Being

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette Stebbings ◽  
Ian M. Taylor ◽  
Christopher M. Spray ◽  
Nikos Ntoumanis
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Work Life ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Interpersonal Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Work Life Conflict

Embedded in the self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) framework, we obtained self-report data from 418 paid and voluntary coaches from a variety of sports and competitive levels with the aim of exploring potential antecedents of coaches’ perceived autonomy supportive and controlling behaviors. Controlling for socially desirable responses, structural equation modeling revealed that greater job security and opportunities for professional development, and lower work–life conflict were associated with psychological need satisfaction, which, in turn, was related to an adaptive process of psychological well-being and perceived autonomy support toward athletes. In contrast, higher work–life conflict and fewer opportunities for development were associated with a distinct maladaptive process of thwarted psychological needs, psychological ill-being, and perceived controlling interpersonal behavior. The results highlight how the coaching context may impact upon coaches’ psychological health and their interpersonal behavior toward athletes. Moreover, evidence is provided for the independence of adaptive and maladaptive processes within the self-determination theory paradigm.

Self-Determination Theory Can Help You Generate Performance and Well-Being in the Workplace: A Review of the Literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Manganelli ◽  
Anaïs Thibault-Landry ◽  
Jacques Forest ◽  
Joëlle Carpentier
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Autonomous Regulation ◽  
Different Types

The Problem According to self-determination theory (SDT), employees can experience different types of motivation with respect to their work. The presence of the different types of motivation is important given that, compared with controlled regulation (introjected and extrinsic motivation), autonomous regulation (intrinsic and identified motivation) leads to a host of positive individual and organizational outcomes. Despite this empirically validated phenomenon, managers remain unaware of the outcomes of motivation in the workplace and of the practices that can foster autonomous regulation through psychological need satisfaction. The focus of the article will be to review relevant literature to reveal the benefits that SDT principles can bring to the workplace. The Solution Managers are encouraged to promote autonomous regulation first by assessing their employees’ motivation for a particular outcome and by structuring three elements of the work environment (job design, interpersonal relationships/leadership, and compensation) in such a way as to facilitate need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). Some questions we try to answer are as follows: What are the outcomes of different motivation types in the workplace? Why are an employee’s basic psychological needs important to consider? What kinds of tools are available to assess employees’ motivation with regard to their work? Which work practices are likely to encourage autonomous regulation? The Stakeholders Employees, managers (individuals in direct contact with employees), leaders (individuals who oftentimes are in a position to influence organizational strategies and processes) and human resource development (HRD) practitioners interested in stimulating optimal functioning at work.

scholarly journals Suppression of Psychological Needs Among Beginning Teachers: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective on the Induction Process in Bedouin Schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haya Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Beginning Teachers ◽  
Induction Period ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Structured Interviews

The study focuses on the emotional-motivational experiences of Bedouin-Arab beginning teachers during the induction period, from the perspective of Self-Determination Theory. A phenomenological study was employed. Seventy-four teachers participated, 62 of whom completed open questionnaires, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 other participants. The findings indicate that the beginning teachers reported experiences of coercion, exploitation, and gender-based discrimination (autonomy suppression). They also experienced a judgmental attitude, lack of assistance, and difficulties with students (competence suppression), and their sense of relatedness to the school is impaired due to cultural factors (relatedness suppression). As a result, they expressed controlled motivation, a sense of burnout, stress, impaired well-being and disengagement in school. They also suppressed their students' autonomy. At the same time, the findings also show that when the teachers experience a sense of need satisfaction, they integrate well into the school. These findings indicate the necessity for establishing a need-supportive school environment for beginning teachers during their induction period.

The Structure of Need Fulfillment

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas B. Neubauer ◽  
Andreas Voss
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Balanced Measure ◽  
Level Of Analysis

Abstract. Self-Determination Theory predicts that fulfillment of the three psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness predicts well-being. Fulfillment of these needs has long been considered a uni-dimensional construct consisting of need satisfaction and (reverse coded) need dissatisfaction. Recent research suggests that satisfaction and dissatisfaction should be separated. We tested whether need satisfaction and dissatisfaction can be distinguished psychometrically and whether they have unique effects in predicting well-being. We used data from a daily-diary study of 135 participants over the course of 42 days. A six factor solution (with one satisfaction and one dissatisfaction factor per need) for the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs scale (BMPN) fitted the data best at both the between-person and the within-person level of analysis. We concluded that (a) the BMPN can be used to reliably assess satisfaction and dissatisfaction of the three needs specified by Self-Determination Theory; (b) need satisfaction and dissatisfaction can and should be separated psychometrically; (c) these findings hold at both the between-person and the within-person level of analysis; (d) all three needs predict well-being at the within-person level, but only competence and relatedness predict well-being at the between-between-person level; and (e) need satisfaction and dissatisfaction predict unique variance in well-being.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Nine-Item Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale Based on Self-Determination Theory With Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Yang ◽  
Miao Yao ◽  
Yongwei Yang ◽  
Qiong Ye ◽  
Ting Lin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Validity Criterion

Background: Self-determination theory distinguishes three basic human psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. The measurement of these needs in populations of older adults has been limited and inadequate. Yet, results from such an assessment are likely to be valuable in policymaking, specifically toward the goal of healthy aging.Aim: The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale (BPNS) based on self-determination theory with older adults.Methods: A total of 809 older adults were invited to participate in this study. We examined the item analysis, internal reliability, factorial validity, criterion validity, and measurement invariance across sex of a Chinese translation of the BPNS.Results: The findings demonstrated that the scale had a good factorial validity, criterion validity, and satisfactory internal reliability. All the items were qualified according to item analysis (p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s α coefficient for the total scale was 0.877. The coefficients of three subscales were 0.826 (autonomy), 0.807 (competence), and 0.847 (relatedness). Exploratory factor analysis indicated three factors that explained 75.12% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed measurement fit exceeded the recommended criteria in all the cases. Measurement invariance analysis manifested that the factor loadings, factor variances and covariances, and residuals to measurement structure were invariant across the male and female participants.Conclusion: The Chinese version of the BPNS based on self-determination theory was proven to be reliable and valid. The usability of the scale to assess the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of older adults in China was demonstrated.

Motivation, Personality, and Development Within Embedded Social Contexts: An Overview of Self-Determination Theory

2012 ◽  
pp. 84-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward L. Deci ◽  
Richard M. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Human Beings

Self-determination theory maintains and has provided empirical support for the proposition that all human beings have fundamental psychological needs to be competent, autonomous, and related to others. Satisfaction of these basic needs facilitates people's autonomous motivation (i.e., acting with a sense of full endorsement and volition), whereas thwarting the needs promotes controlled motivation (i.e., feeling pressured to behave in particular ways) or being amotivated (i.e., lacking intentionality). Satisfying these basic needs and acting autonomously have been consistently shown to be associated with psychological health and effective performance. Social contexts within which people operate, however proximal (e.g., a family or workgroup) or distal (e.g., a cultural value or economic system), affect their need satisfaction and type of motivation, thus affecting their wellness and effectiveness. Social contexts also affect whether people's life goals or aspirations tend to be more intrinsic or more extrinsic, and that in turn affects important life outcomes.

scholarly journals Self-Determination Theory and First-Episode Psychosis: A Replication

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. K. Breitborde ◽  
Cindy Woolverton ◽  
R. Brock Frost ◽  
Nicole A. Kiewel
Keyword(s):  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
First Episode Psychosis ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Episode Psychosis

Self-determination theory (SDT) posits that human well-being depends on the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Although many scholars have suggested that SDT may be relevant to psychotic disorders, only one empirical study of SDT in individuals with psychosis has been completed to date by Breitborde and colleagues (2012). This study revealed that individuals with first-episode psychosis reported lower satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs as compared to individuals without psychosis. Moreover, greater satisfaction of basic psychological needs was modestly associated with lower general symptoms (e.g., anxiety and depression), greater social functioning, and better quality of life. Thus, the goal of this project was to replicate Breitborde et al.’s (2012) investigation of basic psychological need satisfaction among individuals with first-episode psychosis. Our results supported the conclusion that individuals with first-episode psychosis report lower autonomy, competence, and relatedness than individuals without psychosis. Moreover, our results comport with the finding that greater need satisfaction was associated with less severe symptomatology and better social functioning and quality of life. In total, the findings lend further credence to the hypothesis that SDT may help to inform the development of improved clinical services for individuals with psychotic disorders.

scholarly journals Affect in the Context of Self-Determination Theory

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S. Hagger ◽  
Cleo Protogerou
Keyword(s):  
Health Behavior ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Active Management ◽  
And Behavior

Self-determination theory has been applied to understand the role of affect in motivation and behavior in health contexts. According to self-determination theory, autonomous forms of motivation, reflecting self-endorsed reasons for acting and the satisfaction of psychological needs, are related to participation and persistence in health behavior. Research examining the role of affect in determining health behavior from the perspective of the theory is relatively sparse. Affect has served as both an outcome and process in applications of the theory to health behavior. Positive affect and psychological well-being have been identified as important outcomes of participating in behaviors for autonomous reasons. Affect is inextricably linked to motivational processes through eudaimonic and hedonic well-being, the passionate pursuit of activities, and the regulation of behavior through active management of aversive emotional responses. The chapter outlines how support for autonomous motivation by significant others may lead to adaptive behavioral engagement and affective responses in health behavior.

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