Drive

Drive, Daniel H. Pink, Riverhead Books, 2011.

What are the genuine drivers of motivation, at work or in life in general? Are external “carrot and stick” types of incentive effective? Businesses have long relied on this approach, which corresponds to a Taylorist organizational vision. However, many experts have shown that this external motivation theory is adapted to mechanical and repetitive tasks, but much less so to a knowledge economy. In this book, Daniel H. Pink shares the results of many scientific studies concerning drive. In particular, chapter 1 stresses that the sources of motivation differ depending on the type of work to be accomplished. Chapters 2 and 3 clarify the conditions under which external incentives can be useful and when, conversely, it is best to avoid them. Chapters 5 and 6 abound in ideas and examples to boost the intrinsic motivation of employees by supporting their sense of autonomy and control over their work. A toolbox at the end of the book will help managers situate their own practices. Interesting and well supported.