The mediating role of engagement in the relation between incentives and task value

Abstract

The present study examined the relations between incentive, engagement and task value with reference to the Regulatory Engagement Theory (Higgins, 2006).With two incentive interventions (reward and utility), contribution of engagement on task value was tested through a mediation analysis. Significant results were obtained in the utility intervention group. Participants demonstrated higher task value and stronger engagement after intervention, a significant mediated effect also revealed that engagement explained the effects of intervention on task value. Results in the reward intervention group did not yield statistical significance but were in expected direction. The mediating effect of engagement in the relation between incentive and task value was generally supported, but the strength of effect varied upon the choice of incentives. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.