Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of an intrinsic reward?

1. Promotion

2. Pay raise

3. Feeling of achievement

4. Employee of the month award

The correct answer is: Feeling of achievement

An intrinsic reward is defined as a personal sense of satisfaction and fulfillment derived from completing a task or achieving a goal. The feeling of achievement exemplifies this concept, as it stems from within an individual and is tied to the internal recognition of success, effort, or personal growth. This type of reward is not contingent on external validation or material benefits but rather reflects an individual's personal development and motivation. In contrast, the other options represent extrinsic rewards. Promotions, pay raises, and awards like "Employee of the Month" are all external acknowledgments that may serve to motivate individuals but do not provide the same sense of internal fulfillment or self-satisfaction as intrinsic rewards do. Intrinsic rewards tend to foster stronger engagement and internal motivation, making them impactful in personal and professional settings.