Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation:

We looked at the motivation of the characters as intrinsic and extrinsic.

Andrew wants to be the best drummer of the 20th Century, and is willing to put in all he can
for it. He practices because he wants to, and not because someone is forcing him. This is an
example of the intrinsic motivation Andrew had to become the best drummer of the 20 th
Century.
The support from his father Jim Neiman, and the trill of the audience’s applause acted as an
extrinsic motivation.
Negative Reinforcement: When Andrew got the set wrong, Fletcher would curse him and
his family, and would go as far as flinging a chair on him. But this made Andrew more
strong-willed and determined to get the double time swing right. Fletcher wanted to ‘push
people beyond what’s expected out of them’. He believed that “There are no two words in
the English language more harmful than ‘good job’”. It induces complacency.
McClelland’s Three Needs Theory
Need for Achievement (nArch): Both Andrew and Fletcher have a drive to excel. Andrew
wants to be the greatest musician of the 20 th Century, and Fletcher wants to make
the next Charlie Parker.
Need for Power (nPow): Fletcher has a high need for Power, which is seen in the way he
conducts the band and behaves with his students.
Need for Affiliation (nAff): Neither of them show the desire for friendly and close
interpersonal relationships