How an agent is internally motivated matters.

With extrinsic motivation, an individual’s primary goals are things such as status, wealth, and physical attractiveness.

These are elusive, never-ending goals typically associated with instant gratification, stress-avoidance, pleasure, comfort, and passive entertainment.

Research demonstrates that this motivation leads to depression, narcissism, and anxiety.

With intrinsic motivation, an individual’s primary drive is engaging in an activity for the sake of the activity, for its greater purpose, and how it serves others.

It has a bias for principal-based actions, learning, and contribution.

Intrinsically motivated individuals tend to perform their work with dedication and commitment.

Research demonstrates that this motivation must be constantly cultivated in order to be maintained.

With such a stark difference between the two types of motivation, it’s an important topic to cover during both interviews and follow-up.

Hiring a bunch of extrinsically motivated agents can lead to short-term success, but it comes with a price.