The Moralization of Intrinsic Motivation: Opportunities and Perils

Scholars have traditionally treated motivation as a value-neutral state divorced from normative considerations. Yet, research across the social sciences suggests a growing moral imperative to love work, which carries with it the social expectation of intrinsic motivation. This normative pressure stems from the moralization of intrinsic motivation, wherein enjoyment of work is converted into a virtue. While research and practice emphasize positive work outcomes associated with intrinsic motivation, we argue that the moralization of intrinsic motivation is not wholly beneficial. Normative pressure to do what you love can encourage people to pursue and cultivate highly satisfying work for themselves and others. At the same time, however, it can lead to the neglect of security-related concerns (e.g., stable employment) and uninteresting tasks. Moreover, it can elicit discriminatory behavior against those who are presumed to lack intrinsic motivation or who exhibit other viable forms of motivation, impacting overall cohesion and conflict within organizations. Our framework explains how intrinsic motivation becomes morally laden, and the opportunities and perils it presents at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels.