Self-determination theory: about the quality of work motivation

The call for a positive psychology has stimulated research on optimal functioning both in general and in the context of work. The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) might provide a useful framework in which positive work and organisational psychology can be grounded and might stimulate theoretical developments in this field. Starting from a positive concept of man, ZDT reflects upon different aspects of motivation. In the current paper, we describe ZDT and touch upon its relationships with other, and perhaps more well-known, work and organisational theories. We furthermore discuss the empirical evidence in favour of ZDT and illustrate its practical relevance in the context of work