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  1. LPU MCA Semester 1
  2. PEL546
  3. Unit 1

PEL546 · Unit 1: Attitude, emotional maturity and growth mindset

Self-motivation techniques, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and continuous improvement

10 practice questions · in the MTE and ETE syllabus

Practise this topicPractise this topic

Key points

  • Intrinsic comes from within, extrinsic from outside rewards
  • Set clear goals, use milestones and track progress
  • PDCA is plan, do, check, act
  • Continuous improvement means small steady gains

Intrinsic motivation comes from within, such as interest, enjoyment or a sense of purpose, for example reading for pleasure. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside rewards or pressures, such as marks, bonuses, praise or fear of punishment. Intrinsic motivation tends to last longer, though extrinsic rewards can help start a habit, and a person can have both at once.

Self-motivation techniques: set clear, specific goals with deadlines, break big tasks into small milestones, track progress, reward yourself after each milestone, visualise success, and surround yourself with supportive people.

Continuous improvement (kaizen) means ongoing small gains. The PDCA cycle repeats Plan, Do, Check, Act: plan a change, try it, review the result and adjust. Collect feedback regularly, choose one skill to improve and measure the result.

Exam trap: waiting to feel motivated before starting; motivation often follows action.

Try two questions

Question 1 · Tier 3, Apply

An employee works extra hours only to receive a bonus. Which motivation is this?

  1. Intrinsic motivation based on interest
  2. Self-actualisation at the top of the hierarchy
  3. A complete lack of motivation
  4. Extrinsic motivation
Show the answer

D. A bonus is an external reward, so the motivation is extrinsic.

Why not A: The extra work depends on the bonus, not interest.

Why not B: The goal here is a bonus, not self-actualisation.

Why not C: The employee is motivated by the bonus.

Question 2 · Tier 4, Analyse

Which approach best combines goals and improvement in a plan-do-check-act cycle?

  1. Plan a change, try it, review and adjust
  2. Try changes at random and never review them
  3. Plan carefully and never act on the plan
  4. Act first and avoid recording any outcome
Show the answer

A. The PDCA cycle repeats planning, doing, checking and acting to improve steadily.

Why not B: Without review, nothing is learned.

Why not C: Without action, nothing improves.

Why not D: Without records, improvement cannot be checked.