Social scientists have determined that we accept inner responsibility for a behavior when we think we have chosen to perform it in the absence of strong outside pressures. A large reward is one such external pressure. It may get us to perform a certain action, but it won’t get us to accept inner responsibility for the act. Consequently, we won’t feel committed to it. The same is true of a strong threat; it may motivate immediate compliance, but it is unlikely to produce long-term commitment.
Making someone perform an action with a minimal reward will result in less influence or inclination to perform the act but a deeper level of influence amongst the participants.
We shouldn’t bribe or threaten individuals if we want their compliance. In doing so, it does not induce that their actions are their own, which will prevent them from committing to the action or being consistent in their actions.
