Does intrinsic motivation fuel the prosocial fire? Motivational synergy in predicting persistence, performance, and productivity
Grant argues, drawing on self-determination theory, that prosocial motivation predicts persistence, performance and productivity best when paired with intrinsic motivation. In a study of 58 firefighters, intrinsic motivation strengthened the link between prosocial motivation and hours of overtime worked. In a study of 140 fundraising callers, those high in both motivations made more calls and raised more money a month later, with the number of calls accounting for the effect.
Grant argues, drawing on self-determination theory, that prosocial motivation predicts persistence, performance and productivity best when paired with intrinsic motivation. In a study of 58 firefighters, intrinsic motivation strengthened the link between prosocial motivation and hours of overtime worked. In a study of 140 fundraising callers, those high in both motivations made more calls and raised more money a month later, with the number of calls accounting for the effect.
Written from the abstract, Europe PMC record, 2026-11-02.
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Grant, A. M. (2008). Does intrinsic motivation fuel the prosocial fire? Motivational synergy in predicting persistence, performance, and productivity. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93(1), 48-58. doi:10.1037/0021-9010.93.1.48 https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.93.1.48