Reward

Also known as: positive sanction
English: reward

A reward (also referred to as a positive sanction) refers to the outcome or consequence of performance-related behavior that occurs during or after the successful completion of a task—and that fulfills one or more individual motives. Rewards are conceptually similar to incentives, but are categorized more broadly in organizational behavior and motivational theory.

Two fundamental types of rewards can be distinguished:

• Intrinsic rewards are internally generated and arise from the work itself. These include experiences like a sense of achievement, satisfaction, or personal growth. Intrinsic rewards are directly tied to the performance behavior—they emerge during the task or as a result of its successful completion and are experienced internally by the employee.

• Extrinsic rewards, on the other hand, are externally delivered and result from circumstances surrounding the work. These may include tangible benefits such as salary or bonuses, public recognition, or career advancement. They follow task performance and are typically communicated by others—such as supervisors, colleagues, clients, or business partners (e.g., signing a contract after successful negotiations).

Understanding the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards is essential for effective motivation management in organizations, as different roles and individuals respond to different motivational drivers.