INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION ON POLICE BEHAVIOR
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation on Police Behavior
There is a theory that declares ‘if you do not love what you are doing when you go to work every day you are wasting your time’. While there are people who go to work just to make ends meet fulfilling the base of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Jancewicz, 2016), those who work in the law enforcement portion of the public sector are often drawn by a need to “protect and serve” (Jancewicz, 2016). While the very nature of what they do sets law enforcement apart from the private sector, police officers draw motivation from both inside and outside forces, yet their inspiring core lies in the intrinsic influences. Facing the distinct possibility of confronting life and death situations every day, the reason police officers serve must come from a sincere desire to be there.
There is a multitude of variables that influence motivation and the paths for motivation. At the heart of what motivates people is their reason for the motivation. It makes a difference if people are tied to others, a part of a ‘team’, or organization where others depend on their performance. They feel a responsibility to the others they are tied to. People who participate in sports, tied to tight businesses, parents of families and especially those in law enforcement or the military are internally tied to those they work with. Rewards of both a material and mental nature drive individuals. There are those who are compelled by financial gain, by promotion in employment that results in more money. Rewards can also come from gaining recognition, acknowledgement, knowing the work you do is appreciated. Praise is another important motivational tool, people have a need to feel good about themselves, influences them to do well, to put their effort into doing well. There are those who are motivated by the growth they feel from challenging themselves, emotionally, intellectual.
While the roles of law enforcement officers come under a wide umbrella, the fact that the Second Amendment of the Constitution has put weapons in the hands of 88% of the population, which almost double the next country (Small Arms Survey, 2016), makes police work unique. The life and death possibility that exists every day reinforces the reliance officers have on each other, which adds to their motivation to have a heightened awareness performing their job.
There is a balance that reflects motivation for law enforcement. While intrinsic motivation is the heart of what drives officers, if they do not have a decent salary and work conditions law enforcement agencies will not be able to keep quality people (Jancewicz, 2016). Daniel Pink in “Drive: the Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” declares that those who are intrinsically motivated achieve more that those who are driven by rewards (Jancewicz, 2016). Unlike the private sector where bonuses are given for achievements, there are no financial rewards for a job well done, or saving lives, or solving crimes in law enforcement. At the same time, there are major obstacles that police officers face each and every day. While they do indeed face potential life ending scenarios when dealing with unpredictable public activities, police officers face long periods of down time, especially when officers have to serve time alone. At times like these, the positive motivation that emanates from group dependency takes over and drives the officer to meet standards that cement the group together (Dahlinger, 2011).
Part and parcel of positive motivation is the contributing factor to the effect it has on others. Positive attitudes are infectious within a police department (Dahlinger, 2011) and can lend to a desire to want to be a part of something special, to jump on board (Jancewicz, 2016). It must be remembered that the public sector represents a sounding board when dealing with police behavior. When the police department reflects positive vibes and satisfactory
It is clear that intrinsic motivation is the focal point to what drives people to become and remain police officers. When times become challenging they rely on a deep inner drive for their pursuit of law enforcement as an occupation. This provides strength to their core, allows them to fight through times of doubt or public doubt. Their belief in their role as a public servant and their willingness to do whatever it takes stems from inner motivation. This bond will become stronger if the officers are provided the opportunity to challenge themselves through increased responsibilities as they go through their career (Jancewicz, 2016). The feeling of attachment each officer feels towards his / her department and the community helps to solidify social responsibilities. Law enforcement plays a key role in our social concept, it provides the security that most people take for granted as they live their daily lives, recognizing police behavior only when it conflicts with their own actions. The key to what keeps our law enforcement strong lies in their ‘calling’, their intrinsic motivation to give of themselves for the benefit of the many.
References
Jancewicz, J. (2016, April). How to Motivate Law Enforcement Officers. Police Patrol: The Law Enforcement Magazine. Retrieved May 16, 2016, from http://www.policemag.com/channel/patrol/articles/2016/04/how-to-motivate-law- enforcement-officers.aspx.
Countries with the Most Guns List has Some Surprises. (2016). World -CBC-News. Retrieved May 17, 2016, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/small-arms-survey-countries-with- the-most-guns-1.3392204
Dahlinger, C., Det. (20111, October 31).Motivational Policing. Law Enforcement Today Retrieved May 16, 2016, from http://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/10/31/.
