Understanding Intrinsic Rewards: Fueling Your SPHR Certification Journey

The desire to do something that matters is an example of what type of reward?

• A. Psychological
• B. Direct
• C. Extrinsic
• D. Intrinsic

Answer: (D)

The desire to do something that matters is a prime example of an intrinsic reward. Intrinsic rewards are those that arise from within the individual and are tied to personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. When individuals engage in activities that they find meaningful or that align with their values, they are motivated by the rewards that come from the experience itself, such as enjoyment, growth, and the desire to contribute to a larger cause. This type of motivation is fundamental to human behavior and can lead to increased engagement and job satisfaction, as individuals find joy and significance in their work. In contrast, psychological and extrinsic rewards typically involve external factors or material benefits. Psychological rewards pertain more to emotional satisfaction from achievements, but intrinsic rewards are specifically focused on personal significance. Direct rewards would generally refer to tangible benefits or compensation received for completing tasks or achieving goals, which contrasts with the internal motivation represented by intrinsic rewards.

When you find yourself in the thick of studying for the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification Exam, you might be wondering about the driving forces behind what keeps you motivated. One important concept to grasp is the distinction between intrinsic rewards and other types of motivation. You know what? Understanding this could just change the way you view your study habits and career aspirations in HR.

So, what are these intrinsic rewards we keep talking about? Simply put, they arise from within—think personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and that warm, fuzzy feeling of doing something meaningful. For example, consider why you’re pursuing the SPHR certification in the first place. Isn’t it more than just a badge on your résumé? The desire to contribute to a larger cause, grow in your career, or make a genuine impact on your organization, is what keeps your flame burning.

It's those intrinsic rewards that propel us toward mastery and competence in the workplace. They aren’t tied to a paycheck or a sweet promotion; rather, they’re about the enjoyment found in the process of learning itself. Engaging in activities that resonate with your core values fosters a deep sense of purpose, which can indeed lead to greater job satisfaction. Would you prefer a job that merely pays the bills, or one that offers joy and significance in what you do every day? Exactly!

Now, juxtapose this with extrinsic rewards, which are more tangible and often materialistic. They stem from external factors—think bonuses, awards, or even public recognition. While these can be great motivators in their own right, they lack the depth of those personal and intrinsic rewards. After all, studies have shown that although extrinsic factors can hook you initially, it’s those inner drives that truly sustain long-term satisfaction and engagement.

On a similar note, psychological rewards might cross your mind too. They’re slightly different. While psychological rewards offer emotional satisfaction from achievements and milestones, intrinsic rewards are more focused on that personal significance from engaging in meaningful work. It's like the difference between feeling good about finishing a project because you may get praised and feeling good because you genuinely believe in its value.

As you prepare for the SPHR exam, ask yourself: Are you just hitting the books for the sake of passing? Or are you diving deeply into the material because you want to transform how you manage human resources? Whatever the case, leaning into that intrinsic motivation can drastically improve your studying experience.

So, here’s the thing: take a moment to savor your progress, acknowledge that sense of fulfillment, and appreciate the effort you’re putting in. The journey toward passing the SPHR isn’t just about the end goal; it’s about enjoying the ride and learning along the way. As you engage with the materials, work through practice questions, and connect with peers, remember to focus on what drives you internally. Find joy in the learning process, and you'll see just how powerful intrinsic rewards can fuel your career aspirations in human resources.