Sources and consequences of intrinsic task motivation in engineers at the Naval Avionics Center
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Authors
Sutz, Steven S.
Subjects
Intrinsic task motivation
Thomas/Velthouse model
Task assessments
Interpretive styles
Naval Avionics Center
Thomas/Velthouse model
Task assessments
Interpretive styles
Naval Avionics Center
Advisors
Thomas, Kenneth W.
Thomas, Gail F.
Date of Issue
1991-12
Date
December 1991
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis examines the sources and consequences of intrinsic task motivation in civilian engineers. Using Thomas/Velthouse's model, intrinsic task motivation is measured in terms of four rewards that workers get directly from their work tasks: 1) impact or the sense that one is accomplishing task goals, 2) competence or performing task activities skillfully, 3) meaningfulness or the value of the task purpose to the individual, and 4) choice or one's ability to choose how to do the task. The analysis is based on data from 372 engineers at the Naval Avionics Center in Indianapolis. Results of the analysis show that the amount of intrinsic task motivation that an engineer feels is strongly related to variables with significant financial implications for the organization, including professional development, stress symptoms, and incentive to leave the job. Further, an engineer's "interpretive styles," his/her manager's behavior, and aspects of work group climate were shown to influence the engineer's intrinsic task motivation. Implications regarding management development programs, performance appraisals, and other activities are discussed.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Department of Administrative Sciences
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
92 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.