Self-determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness

Abstract

Self-determination theory (SDT) is one of the relatively recent (about two decades) theories of
motivation and wellness. Propounded by Prof Edward Deci and Prof Richard Ryan, SDT focuses
on volitional (doing things willingly) behavior and strategies to sustain this behavior in several
setting – sports, education, health care, corporate, etc. Unlike earlier theories of motivation, which
focused on how to control behavior through manipulating external contingencies (rewards and
punishments), SDT looks at the two forms of volitional behavior – intrinsic motivation (doing
things for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment) and internalization (doing things as we understand
the value of the outcome/activity). This paper gives an overview of the basic concepts of SDT and
recommends strategies, from the insights drawn from SDT to HR practitioners on how to
motivate theirworkforce employed in Indian software services sector.