Sita works at a day care center. The pay is low and hours are long. But she loves being around children & has no desire to look for a higher-paying job. Sita's motivation appears to be :

Question

Accepted Answer

Sita's motivation is best described as intrinsic, which is why Option 1 is the correct answer. Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. In Sita's case, she loves being around children, which provides her with personal satisfaction and joy. This internal fulfillment is what drives her to continue working at the day care center despite the low pay and long hours. Her motivation comes from within, as she finds the work itself rewarding and meaningful.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

2. Extrinsic: Extrinsic motivation involves performing an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment. If Sita were extrinsically motivated, she would be primarily concerned with external rewards such as higher pay or benefits. However, the scenario clearly states that she has no desire to look for a higher-paying job, indicating that external rewards are not her primary motivators.

3. Selfish: Selfish motivation implies acting in one's own self-interest, often at the expense of others. Sita's motivation is not selfish because her actions are driven by her love for being around children, which is a selfless and nurturing inclination. Her motivation is centered on the joy and satisfaction she derives from her work, not on self-centered gains.

4. External: External motivation is similar to extrinsic motivation, where actions are driven by external factors such as rewards or recognition. As previously mentioned, Sita's motivation is not based on external factors like pay or status. Her contentment comes from the intrinsic joy of working with children, making external motivation an incorrect characterization of her drive.

In conclusion, Sita's motivation is intrinsic because it stems from her genuine love and passion for being around children, which provides her with personal satisfaction and fulfillment. This intrinsic motivation is what keeps her committed to her job despite the challenges of low pay and long hours.