Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale
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About Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale
Scale Name
Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale
Author Details
Marylène A. Tremblay, Cécile M. Blanchard, Sara Taylor, Luc G. Pelletier, and Martin Villeneuve
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS), developed by Marylène A. Tremblay, Cécile M. Blanchard, Sara Taylor, Luc G. Pelletier, and Martin Villeneuve in 2009, is a sophisticated tool designed to measure motivation in organizational settings. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the WEIMS assesses the continuum of motivation types, ranging from intrinsic motivation (driven by interest and enjoyment) to extrinsic motivation (influenced by external rewards or pressures) and their impact on workplace behavior. Published in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, this scale was crafted to address the need for a concise, reliable instrument tailored to organizational psychology, making it invaluable for understanding employee engagement, job satisfaction, and performance.
The WEIMS consists of 18 items, each scored on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = “does not correspond at all” to 7 = “corresponds exactly”), yielding scores across six subscales: intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation, and amotivation. These subscales reflect SDT’s framework, which posits that motivation varies in autonomy and influences outcomes like productivity and well-being. With a total administration time of just 10-15 minutes, the WEIMS offers a practical yet comprehensive way to evaluate how employees’ motivations align with organizational goals. Its adaptability across cultures, evidenced by translations into multiple languages, enhances its utility in global workforce studies. For researchers and practitioners alike, the WEIMS provides critical insights into fostering autonomous motivation and reducing burnout in modern workplaces.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a copy of the Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS) from its original publication or a verified psychological assessment source.
- Explain the purpose of the assessment, emphasizing that it measures different aspects of work motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
- Provide instructions to the participant, clarifying that they should rate each item on a 7-point Likert scale (ranging from 1 = Does not correspond at all to 7 = Corresponds exactly).
- Approximate administration time is 5-10 minutes.
- Administer the scale in a quiet setting, ensuring the respondent completes it independently to maintain accuracy.
Reliability and Validity
The Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale demonstrates strong psychometric properties, confirming its reliability and validity for organizational research. Internal consistency is robust, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.75 to 0.89 across the six subscales, as reported in the original validation study by Tremblay et al. (2009). Test-retest reliability is also satisfactory, with correlations above 0.80 over short intervals, indicating stability in motivation scores among consistent workplace conditions.
Validity is well-supported through confirmatory factor analysis, which verifies the six-factor structure aligned with SDT. Convergent validity is evidenced by significant correlations with related constructs, such as the Work Self-Determination Index (r = 0.65-0.78) and job satisfaction measures. Discriminant validity distinguishes WEIMS subscales from unrelated constructs like general anxiety, ensuring specificity to motivation. The scale’s sensitivity to workplace interventions, such as autonomy-supportive management, further underscores its practical utility and construct validity in applied settings.
Available Versions
18-Items
Reference
Tremblay, M. A., Blanchard, C. M., Taylor, S., Pelletier, L. G., & Villeneuve, M. (2009). Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale: Its value for organizational psychology research. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, 41(4), 213.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the WEIMS measure?
It measures intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the workplace based on Self-Determination Theory.
How many items are in the WEIMS?
It includes 18 items across six subscales.
Who can use the WEIMS?
Organizational psychologists, HR professionals, and researchers studying workplace motivation.
How long does it take to complete the WEIMS?
It takes about 10-15 minutes.
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