Which motivational theory emphasizes autonomy, mastery, and purpose as drivers of performance?

• A. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• B. Pink's Motivational Theory
• C. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
• D. McGregor's Theory X and Y

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is intrinsic motivation—how performance is driven by internal factors rather than external rewards. Daniel Pink’s theory highlights three powerful drivers: autonomy, the sense of control over how, what, when, and with whom work is done; mastery, the ongoing urge to improve and feel progress; and purpose, the belief that work serves a larger mission. When autonomy, mastery, and purpose are present, people tend to engage more deeply, stick with challenges, and perform better, especially on complex or creative tasks.

This focus on internal motivators helps explain why performance can improve even when extrinsic rewards aren’t the primary driver, which contrasts with other theories that emphasize different factors. Maslow’s approach centers on meeting needs in a hierarchy; Herzberg’s theory separates hygiene factors from motivators but doesn’t zero in on autonomy or meaning; and McGregor’s Theory X and Y describes management assumptions about workers rather than the specific intrinsic motivations highlighted by Pink.