The chapter describes Daniel Pink’s ROWE theory of motivation, in which he argued that the most powerful motivation occurs when there is an interest in the work and the work itself has meaning. Intrinsic motivation is highest when an employee has autonomy (about what to do), mastery (how to do it), and purpose (why to do it). Assume your group has been asked by your university to brainstorm ways that the university might apply the ROWE theory. Discuss whether you would be more motivated and better educated if you had more autonomy in designing your program of study, could determine the best way for you to learn and gain mastery, and could develop your own statement of purpose as to why you were pursuing a particular program of study.

1. How might this change the university’s allocation of resources (e.g., would more trained advisers and career counselors be required, and how would they be evaluated)?
2. If large numbers of students decided they would learn some of the core materials best by taking an online course, how might this affect the university’s revenue stream? How might this change the way professors teach courses?
3. Have each group member explain how this approach might change his or her program of study?
4. Consider the potential pitfalls of such an approach and how these might be addressed?