In order to perform at a high level there needs to be something on the inside that drives a person. Researchers have tried to link the correlation between self-determination and performance. How does the level of motivation affect performance? What are the factors that need to be present to promote a self-determined state? This paper focuses on how motivational factors influences self-determination in a performance context.
The Study of Self-Determination Theory and Performance The self-determination theory looks at the needs of the individual. According to Spence, Oades, (2000) Three basic psychological needs account for human functioning and wellbeing. The needs include; …show more content…
Intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivational factors are the three major forms of motivation that attribute to self-determination. Kowal & Fortier (1999) stated that motivation is the key to learning and behavioral …show more content…
The research provided the framework and empirical findings based on the Self-Determination theory and motivation in a performance. The level of motivation can be intrinsic, extrinsic or amotivational. Amotivation resulted in poor performance and individuals had the least amount of self-determination. Amotivated individuals felt little incentive to perform and characteristics resembled a state of helplessness according to research conducted by Kowal & Fortier (1999). Intrinsic motivation has been shown to have the highest state of self-determination (Ang, 2001; Cerasoli & Ford, 2014; Gillet, Berjot & Gobance, 2009; Spence, & Oades, 2011). Conducting this research has shown that motivation is an act of doing. If the participant does not take the initiative to act they lack the motivation to perform. Human’s are driven by three basic motivational needs that include: autonomy, competence and relatedness. If these needs are not perceived to have been met, performance will suffer. Factors such as a sense of belonging, ability to complete the task and overcome obstacles and a connection with the environment and people around them promote a state of self-determination. Optimal performance takes place when the individual experiences what Kowal & Fortier (1999) called motivational flow. The person is in control of themselves and