Recognition and Rewards
Safety recognition and rewards come in many colors, flavors, and varieties. We are all motivated by primarily two types of rewards: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic Rewards
Extrinsic rewards are tangible and external. You can touch, eat, see, smell, or otherwise use them. Here are some examples:
- money - raise, bonus, stocks
- awards - plaques, pins, cups, certificates, jackets
- time off - vacations, sabbaticals, conferences
- social - parties, lunches, ceremonies
Intrinsic Rewards
Intrinsic rewards are intangible, internal, and originate within us. They are expressed through the positive recognition others give us and the positive thoughts think about ourselves. Here are some examples:
- improved self-esteem
- increased sense of purpose
- higher credibility
- feeling of accomplishment
Now, consider this: Is it the tangible reward, itself, that changes behavior, or is it the underlying recognition - the intangible reward - you receive that matters most? Like many others, you probably think it's the recognition behind the reward that is most important, and we agree. We like to be recognized and appreciated for what we do by people who are important to us. It makes us feel valuable, important, and a part of a team: something bigger than ourselves.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. Which of the following is an example of an intrinsic reward?
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