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  • January 1996
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

The Motivation for Creativity in Organizations

By: Teresa M. Amabile
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:14
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Abstract

People will be most creative when they feel motivated primarily by the interest, enjoyment, satisfaction, and challenge of the work itself--when they are driven by a deep involvement in their work and a passion for it. This note describes the ways in which creativity can be stimulated by this intrinsic motivation, and by certain forms of extrinsic motivation, such as rewards that signal competence or support future achievement. Managerial implications are discussed.

Keywords

Compensation and Benefits; Managerial Roles; Organizations; Creativity; Motivation and Incentives; Satisfaction

Citation

Amabile, Teresa M. "The Motivation for Creativity in Organizations." Harvard Business School Background Note 396-240, January 1996.
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About The Author

Teresa M. Amabile

Entrepreneurial Management
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More from the Author

    • 2022
    • Academy of Management Collections

    The Turn Toward Creative Work

    By: Spencer Harrison, Elizabeth D. Rouse, Colin M. Fisher and Teresa M. Amabile
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    What Do I Make of the Rest of My Life? Global and Quotidian Life Construal across the Retirement Transition

    By: Jeff Steiner and Teresa M. Amabile
    • August 2021
    • Academy of Management Perspectives

    The Undervalued Power of Self-relevant Research: The Case of Researching Retirement While Retiring

    By: Teresa M. Amabile and Douglas T. (Tim) Hall
More from the Author
  • The Turn Toward Creative Work By: Spencer Harrison, Elizabeth D. Rouse, Colin M. Fisher and Teresa M. Amabile
  • What Do I Make of the Rest of My Life? Global and Quotidian Life Construal across the Retirement Transition By: Jeff Steiner and Teresa M. Amabile
  • The Undervalued Power of Self-relevant Research: The Case of Researching Retirement While Retiring By: Teresa M. Amabile and Douglas T. (Tim) Hall
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