In: Psychology
What are Blau's concepts of “intrinsic rewards” and “extrinsic rewards?”
Blau came up with the Social Exchange Theory where he states
that every social interaction an individual has, is respect to a
give and take relationship where the costs and benefits of the
relation are taken into consideration.
One key factor of his theory is his concept of "Intrinsic Rewards"
and "Extrinsic Rewards".
According to Blau, Intrinsic Rewards are those rewards that we find
joy and happiness in. They are not used as a means to achieve an
external factor. For example, going on a walk with a friend or
going on a trip with the family. proves as an intrinsic reward as
the individual gains personal satisfaction from it and does not
seek to have any further benefit from it.
Extrinsic Rewards on the other hand, are those rewards which are
used as a way to motivate oneself for an external goal. This can be
something as simple as getting a salary for their job. Or, an air
hostess being corteous on the airplane may not be because she
personally values the relationship she has with you but because it
is a means for her to get her salary and do her job.