This study describes the motivational
characteristics of developing experts in information
technology (IT). Experienced IT workers from
completed surveys about perceived competence and
achievement goals for continued expertise
development. The sample as a whole scored higher on
intrinsic motivators than on extrinsic motivators. A
cluster analysis was performed on standardized scores
in order to create profiles of multiple goals. Three
groups were found: Cluster 1 scored relatively low on
all goal variables and on perceived competence;
Cluster 2 scored relatively high on intrinsic goals
and perceived competence and relatively low on
extrinsic goals; and Cluster 3 scored relatively high
on extrinsic goals and relatively low on intrinsic
goals and perceived competence. Therefore, while the
participants were motivated more intrinsically than
extrinsically, some depended relatively more on
extrinsic rewards and had lower perceived competence
than their peers. This may cause their expertise
development to have a lower trajectory; they may
progress more slowly and with less satisfaction and
enjoyment. This study should be useful to those who
are interested in expertise development.
characteristics of developing experts in information
technology (IT). Experienced IT workers from
completed surveys about perceived competence and
achievement goals for continued expertise
development. The sample as a whole scored higher on
intrinsic motivators than on extrinsic motivators. A
cluster analysis was performed on standardized scores
in order to create profiles of multiple goals. Three
groups were found: Cluster 1 scored relatively low on
all goal variables and on perceived competence;
Cluster 2 scored relatively high on intrinsic goals
and perceived competence and relatively low on
extrinsic goals; and Cluster 3 scored relatively high
on extrinsic goals and relatively low on intrinsic
goals and perceived competence. Therefore, while the
participants were motivated more intrinsically than
extrinsically, some depended relatively more on
extrinsic rewards and had lower perceived competence
than their peers. This may cause their expertise
development to have a lower trajectory; they may
progress more slowly and with less satisfaction and
enjoyment. This study should be useful to those who
are interested in expertise development.