external rewards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external rewards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing incentives or benefits that come from outside an individual, often in the context of motivation or behavior. Example: "Many employees are motivated by external rewards such as bonuses and recognition from their peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And much of these shared endeavors, Mr. Shirky notes, are pursued for their own sake, not for external rewards.

The New York Times

It conceives of us as shrewd responders to carrots and sticks, hooked on a diet of incentives and external rewards.

The New York Times

To their ideas (model integrity, watch how you talk about grades, avoid external rewards), I would add: make a point of valuing achievements that cannot be cheated.

The New York Times

Dr. Edward Deci is the psychologist behind the original research that suggested that when external rewards are given, people lose interest in the activity.

The New York Times

If Yanagihara writes sharply on external rewards of accomplishment, her chiaroscuro style is even more unflinching when detailing Jude's secret world of violence.

Independent

Often, Mr. Lore said, people place too high a value on the external rewards of a job, like money, prestige and power.

The New York Times

In a 2010 survey of employees and supervisors at a large I.T. company, feelings of empowerment affected both intrinsic motivation (wanting to do the work for its own sake, rather than for money or for other external rewards) and creativity.

The New Yorker

Norms may be internalized i.e., incorporated within the individual so that there is conformity without external rewards or punishments, or they may be enforced by positive or negative sanctions from without.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As early as the 1960s, Edward Deci, then a psychology graduate student at Carnegie Mellon, showed that when external rewards are given, subjects "lose intrinsic interest for the activity".

The New York Times

His conclusion was that trying to motivate someone with external rewards can undermine their pure enjoyment of doing something.

BBC

"Organizations that have service as a core value of their culture," he writes, "will see both intrinsic and external rewards".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivation, clearly differentiate between "external rewards" and intrinsic motivation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the driving forces behind behavior.

Common error

Avoid framing all motivation solely in terms of "external rewards". Acknowledge the role of internal satisfaction and personal values, as over-reliance on external incentives can sometimes diminish intrinsic interest and creativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external rewards" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to incentives or benefits that are provided by someone or something outside of an individual. Ludwig AI indicates it's a valid and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "external rewards" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term referring to incentives or benefits provided by external sources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's commonly discussed in contexts related to motivation, psychology, and economics. While it's essential to acknowledge the role of "external rewards", it's equally important to consider intrinsic motivation to achieve a balanced understanding. The phrase is most often found in scientific and news media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extrinsic incentives

Focuses more specifically on the motivational aspect, using 'incentives' instead of the broader 'rewards'.

tangible benefits

Emphasizes the concrete and measurable nature of the rewards.

material gains

Highlights the material or financial aspect of the rewards.

outside compensation

Specifically refers to financial reimbursement or remuneration from an external source.

external motivation

Shifts the focus to the driving force provided by external factors, rather than the rewards themselves.

extrinsic remuneration

A more formal term emphasizing payment received from an external source.

incentive-based system

Describes a structure or program where rewards are used as motivators.

performance-based pay

Highlights how compensation is linked to specific achievements or results.

monetary inducements

Focuses specifically on money as a motivating factor.

external reinforcement

Refers to the strengthening of behavior through external stimuli or rewards.

FAQs

How do "external rewards" differ from intrinsic motivation?

"External rewards" are incentives or benefits received from outside sources, while intrinsic motivation comes from internal satisfaction and enjoyment of the activity itself. One depends on an external agent while the other comes from within.

What are some examples of "external rewards"?

Examples include money, bonuses, promotions, recognition, and other tangible benefits provided by an external entity, such as an employer or organization.

Can "external rewards" negatively impact motivation?

Yes, research suggests that over-reliance on "external rewards" can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation, leading to decreased interest and engagement in the activity itself. This phenomenon is known as the overjustification effect.

What's the difference between "external rewards" and "internal rewards"?

"External rewards" are tangible or intangible benefits provided by an outside source, whereas "internal rewards" are the feelings of satisfaction, accomplishment, or personal growth that come from within. They represent opposite sides of motivation, coming from outside versus inside of ourselves.