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  • June 1998
  • Article
  • American Psychologist

Reward, Intrinsic Motivation, and Creativity

By: B. A. Hennessey and T. M. Amabile
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:2
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Abstract

Comments on R. Eisenberger and J. Cameron's (see record 1996-06440-007) discussion on the impact of reward on creativity. The authors argue that Eisenberger and Cameron overlooked or failed to adequately explain several demonstrations of lower creativity on rewarded activities as compared with nonrewarded activities. Moreover, the evidence they provided of increased creativity under reward is more informative about relatively simple human behaviors than about actual creative performance. The authors believe that it is erroneous and misleading to conclude, as do Eisenberger and Cameron, that the detrimental effects of reward occur under limited conditions that are easily avoided.

Keywords

Creativity; Motivation and Incentives; Performance Evaluation

Citation

Hennessey, B. A., and T. M. Amabile. "Reward, Intrinsic Motivation, and Creativity." American Psychologist 53, no. 6 (June 1998): 674–675.
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About The Author

Teresa M. Amabile

Entrepreneurial Management
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  • 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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  • Creativity, Artificial Intelligence, and a World of Surprises By: Teresa M. Amabile
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