What is the term for the existing intrinsic motivation a worker feels when they volunteer their service?

The term that best describes the existing intrinsic motivation a worker feels when they volunteer their service is intrinsic reward. This concept refers to the internal satisfaction and fulfillment that individuals derive from performing a task or engaging in an activity for its own sake, rather than for external rewards or incentives. When someone volunteers, they often experience a sense of accomplishment, purpose, or alignment with their values, which can lead to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Intrinsic rewards are fundamental to understanding motivation, especially in contexts like volunteering, where individuals are driven by personal values or community connections rather than financial compensation. While cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when one’s beliefs conflict with their actions, and crowd out describes the potential diminishing effect of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation, neither accurately captures the essence of the motivation felt during volunteering. Voluntary engagement, while relevant, does not specifically denote the intrinsic satisfaction gained from the act itself.