INR Institute
Scientific study

Howard et al. (2021) - Meta-analysis of motivational quality and work outcomes

Howard, J. L., Gagné, M. & Bureau, J. S. | 2021 | Journal of Management

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Short summary

The meta-analysis integrates results from hundreds of samples and examines how autonomous and controlled motivation relate to performance, engagement, and well-being.

Methodology

Meta-analysis of multiple empirical studies within a work context.

Key findings

Autonomous motivation shows consistent positive relationships with performance, engagement, and well-being. Controlled motivation shows weaker or negative relationships with well-being.

Practical implication for leadership

Increasing motivational intensity is less effective than improving motivational quality. Leaders indirectly influence performance through the quality of motivation they facilitate.

Meaning of INR

This meta-analysis confirms, within the INR framework, that motivation quality serves as a crucial link between context and behavior. Within the Narrative framework, this means that behavior stemming from autonomous motivation is more likely to be integrated into a positive self-narrative.

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