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Rethinking the value of choice: a cultural perspective on intrinsic motivation
1Department of Psychology, Stanford University, California 94305-2130, USA. ss957@columbia.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|April 2, 1999
Summary
Choice enhances motivation, but cultural differences matter. While Americans thrive on personal choice, Asians are more motivated when trusted figures make choices for them, impacting intrinsic motivation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Motivation Science
Background:
- Decades of research link personal choice to increased intrinsic motivation, persistence, performance, and satisfaction.
- This established link is primarily based on studies within Western, independent cultural contexts.
- The applicability of these findings to cultures with interdependent self-construals requires examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cultural relevance and limitations of choice-motivation links.
- To compare the effects of personal choice versus other-made choice on motivation across independent and interdependent self-construals.
- To explore cultural variations in responses to autonomy support and social influence on intrinsic motivation.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted comparing American (independent self) and Asian (interdependent self) participants.
- Study 1 examined how personal choice impacts motivation in different cultural groups.
- Study 2 investigated children's intrinsic motivation when choices were made by themselves, authority figures, or peers.
Main Results:
- Personal choice generally enhanced motivation more for Americans (independent selves) than for Asians (interdependent selves).
- Anglo American children showed reduced intrinsic motivation when choices were made for them by others.
- Asian American children exhibited highest intrinsic motivation when choices were made by trusted authority figures or peers.
Conclusions:
- The positive relationship between personal choice and intrinsic motivation is not universal and is moderated by cultural self-construal.
- Interdependent individuals may derive greater motivation from choices made by trusted social figures, contrasting with independent individuals' preference for personal autonomy.
- Findings have significant theoretical implications for motivation theories and practical applications in education and management across diverse cultural settings.