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Basic need satisfaction with public sector internships and career aspiration of students : a self-determination theory approach

Stäbler, Svenja Luise (2016) Basic need satisfaction with public sector internships and career aspiration of students : a self-determination theory approach.

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Abstract:This thesis examines motivation within an internship in the public sector and the resulting consequences for career aspirations. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is applied to frame the argument, that internship programs which contribute to the satisfaction of the basic needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy alter autonomous types of motivation. A cross-sectional research design was used to test the model. The quantitative approach was grounded on web-based survey data of 48 university students. Results showed that students´ basic needs were rather satisfied. The average student displayed moderate autonomous motivation and most likely wanted to work in the public sector. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the satisfaction of the respective basic needs contributes in relatively equal terms to autonomous motivation. However, the expected consequence of enhanced public sector career aspirations could not be confirmed. Correlation analysis showed that career aspiration was linked with a multidimensional pattern of motivation which ranged from controlled to autonomous types of motivation. The framework of the SDT was deemed suitable to explain autonomy in motivation. Results underline the importance of considering both, autonomous motivation in an internship but also extrinsic incentives that can enhance career aspirations.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:10 humanities in general, 70 social sciences in general, 77 psychology, 85 business administration, organizational science, 88 social and public administration
Programme:Management Society and Technology BSc (56654)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/70491
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