Why Both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators Matter in Gamification

Why Both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators Matter in Gamification
By Sharleen Sy

Dan Ariely, a Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University wrote a book titled Predictably Irrational where he describes the difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators and how these affect management decisions in driving employee behavior. Ariely suggests that moving from extrinsic motivators or rewards such as money, points or schedules, to intrinsic motivators or internal needs including friendship, commitments , and loyalty, is in essence making a move from a market relationship to a social relationship.

An extrinsic or market relationship in this case is defined by the exchange of monetary currency for a product or service. An Intrinsic or social relationship is the exchange of an intangible for a product or service.

The illustration on this card offers a perspective where intrinsically positioned game mechanics can act as facilitators for social activity and exchanges. Games give us an effective framework to bond with others. Interestingly enough, as soon as we try to measure those intrinsic mechanics we move them into the realm of external motivators. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the number of Twitter followers or friends on Facebook influence us in different ways. But we want to try to build systems where externals aren’t the only things available.

Internationally-known metagame expert and social game designer Amy Jo Kim describes game mechanics as the sauce or seasoning on the meat of the core game. Designers need a great core game and should use game mechanics to help improve it. Game mechanics as extrinsic tools like experience bars or achievements will push the player to reach the next goal. But things of intrinsic value will always provide greater incentive for the player.

Read the full article at:
http://stratsynergy.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/why-both-intrinsic-and-extrinsic-motivators-matter-in-gamification/