How Do Incentives Actually Impact Motivation? | Dr Indranil Goswami PhD

<p>Incentives can improve motivation. But what actually happens when the incentive is removed? An influential body of research previously suggested that extrinsic rewards have a negative impact on intrinsic motivation. However, more recent studies show this not to be the case over the long term. Our guest, Dr Indranil Goswami PhD, talks us through the longer term effects of temporary incentives and the implications for motivating behavior change.</p> <p>Indranil is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University at Buffalo.  The research that we focus on in this episode is the paper he co-wrote with Dr Oleg Urminsky PhD, called  “<a href='https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28054810/'>The Dynamic Effect of Incentives on Post-Reward Task Engagement</a>”.</p> <p>While there may be a dose of confirmation bias with this conversation, Kurt and Tim are excited to hear more about Indranil’s research which backs up what they have been telling companies for years:</p> <p>“Incentives are useful for improving people's behavior, engagement and performance.”</p> <p>Managers, academics and even parents have bought into the widely held belief that extrinsic motivators are not a useful tool for initiating behavior change. But Indranil’s work may help you reevaluate the tools you use to motivate those around you. Listen in and let us know if it encourages you to rethink your incentive program.</p> <p>Regular listeners to Behavioral Grooves may enjoy being part of our exclusive group of <a href='https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves'>Patreon</a> members by supporting our work. You can also write a review of our podcast on whatever platform you listen on, and we often read these out on the show. Thank you!</p> <p> </p> Topics <p>(2:49) Welcome and speed round questions.</p> <p>(4:00) Do extrinsic incentives always suppress intrinsic motivation?</p> <p>(9:41) Does post incentive disengagement actually happen?</p> <p>(16:59) The surprising effect of big incentives.</p> <p>(22:42) Real world experiences of incentives.</p> <p>(