Would you stay motivated in your work if you weren’t getting paid? Most people would probably answer “no” to this question. Work ultimately serves the purpose of building up capital which finances a great life of leisure time, family and consumption. The question, however, becomes much more complex if we distinguish between different types of work and different sectors: Would you stay motivated in peacebuilding if you weren’t getting paid? It could certainly be argued that peacebuilding work has value, even without financial incentives. Peace promotes community. Peace allows our children to live a life without worries. Peace is ultimately crucial for our survival. But we also need to live, that is to say, we need to finance our (essential) consumption.

How has peacebuilding changed over the course of the professionalization process? Specifically, we assume that as soon as we engage in work with a financial incentive (extrinsic motivation), it replaces our intrinsic motivation, namely, working for the sake of working (and its outcomes).

Psychology and behavioral research have been exploring this phenomenon for some time now. Judy Cameron and W. David Pierce analyzed 96 different studies and concluded that financial reward does not diminish intrinsic motivation. It only diminishes when a reward is expected for simple work but suddenly does not materialize. Mark Lepper and David Greene were also able to prove this effect in children. What conclusions can now be drawn when it comes to our area of work – peacebuilding?  Since relevant scientific research results are lacking in our profession, so far we can only speculate.  Peacebuilding is likely characterized by a highly intrinsically motivated workforce. We don’t serve mammon – career and consumption come second. Corresponding losses will probably be accepted, whether you like it or not.