Daniel H. Pink's 'Drive'

The suggested motivational practices in this book give keen insight for organizational leaders whose business practices have not evolved over time or kept up with modern scientific research. The earliest concept of “work” began as a biological need of primitive humans to hone their survival skills. Many centuries later, societies evolved by implementing a basic reward and punishment system that effectively suited human living environments, but again depended on extrinsically driven motivation. According to world-renowned best-selling author Daniel H. Pink, people have remained locked in this remedial and mechanistic mindset toward “work” long since the industrial revolution. As a result, organizations and businesses worldwide are in danger of crushing the creative instincts of their human workforces, as well as limiting their own economic advances as we move from algorithmic to less predictable heuristic tasks in …show more content…
After debunking common concepts that the use of rewards improves productivity and that humans are inherently inert beings (unless prodded by these external rewards and punishments) Pink introduces the “Self Determination Theory” developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. The theory concludes that humans have three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competency and relatedness) that must be satisfied in order for a person to feel successful and happy. Scholars and scientists from all over the world have been researching the “SDT” as it pertains to many realms, including those of business, medicine, and mental health, but the focus on positive interventions, successful work environments, relationships and proven intrinsic needs is most helpful as these relate directly to the success of educational organizations and student