Understanding and Applying an Integrative Taxonomy of Motivation Sources to Professional and Personal Settings

Abstract

This exercise incorporates an innovative teaching approach to demonstrate how motivation sources are evident in behavior and decisions. The exercise is based on the integrative typology proposed by Leonard, Beauvais, and Scholl and validated by Barbuto and Scholl. The taxonomy includes five sources of motivation: intrinsic process, instrumental, self-concept external, self-concept internal, and goal internalization. This article provides a brief summary and review of the five sources of motivation, complete instructions for conducting and processing the class exercise for both instructors and students, and a photocopy-ready handout for students.