Should HR Professionals Devote More Time to Intrinsic Rewards?

Abstract

Intrinsic motivation is a subject that receives sporadic, low key coverage in human resources (HR) management. Interest tends to peak periodically when a well-publicized, non-HR professional criticizes the use of extrinsic rewards and suggests intrinsic rewards as a more effective alternative. Periodic surveys on employee engagement levels mention the importance of specific intrinsic factors but lack a full discussion of the general topic. Otherwise, little is said in the current HR literature about using intrinsic rewards. The fallout is that many HR professionals may not realize how important intrinsic rewards are to employees, how satisfied they are with what they have and what, if any, actions should be taken as a result.