The Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators on Employee Engagement in Information Organizations

Understanding motivation in the workforce is a crucial step toward creating a dynamic work environment that enriches and fulfills workers. This research stems from LIS management class discussions on the topic of motivation and highlights the need for radical shifts in management approaches to motivation in information organizations. Our analysis of 98 MLS students from four student cohorts from spring 2013 to spring 2014 shows that intrinsic motivators are far more influential than any “carrot and stick” type of approach. The findings indicate that future information leaders and managers should recognize that intrinsic factors play a bigger role in employee motivation and put more effort into creating a culture of respect, recognition, trust, and autonomy when tailoring their management strategies to tap into the emotions of their coworkers. These intrinsic motivators are more important to staff than extrinsic factors such as money. LIS educators have a role to play in developing graduate expectations within an holistic framework that furthers professional development and career advancement.