The impact of individual motivations on idea submission and future motivation to participate in an organization's virtual idea campaign

Abstract

We used time-lagged survey data to investigate the effects of various types of motivation on idea submission and future motivation to participate in a virtual idea campaign (VIC). We also used qualitative data to illuminate context and enrich explanations. Applying forms of motivation from self-determination theory—intrinsic motivation and external motivation—and the additional composite form of identified-prosocial motivation, our study offers insight into their effects on idea submission and future motivation to participate in idea campaigns. We found that intrinsic motivation led to idea submission and future motivation to participate, while external motivation negatively related to idea submission. Identified-prosocial motivation positively related to participants' motivation to participate in future idea campaigns, but surprisingly, its interaction with intrinsic motivation did not lead to idea submission. We provide managers and innovation researchers with useful lessons for the effective management of idea campaigns in organizations, and our results highlight the value of autonomous forms of motivation, especially intrinsic motivation.