Among other definitions, motivation is the willingness to complete a task. Taylor’s principles of scientific management, a 1911 motivation theory, assumed that money was the primary motivator for employees. Therefore, productivity could be improved by shifting efficiency targets in relation to pay. He further promoted division of labour to improve output.

Pink challenges the effectiveness of traditional rewards, like money, arguing that they can dull creativity. His theory involves three innate factors that motivate: autonomy, mastery and purpose. Nonetheless, he accepts salaries as ‘baseline rewards’.