Motivational Sources Inventory (MSI) Test
Understand what drives an employee at work in about 6 minutes. Use 30 targeted items to guide onboarding, coaching, and development with clear, actionable motivation insights.
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08:30
Scale Explorer
How the Scales are Structured
DATA-BASED USER COHORTS
Who Usually Takes This Test?
BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.
RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE
Benchmarking
See How You Compare
Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Internalization of a Goal (IoaG)
Average
21.5
Normal range
15.3 — 27.7
min.
6
max.
42
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Internal Self-Concept (IS)
Average
25.3
Normal range
20.3 — 30.2
min.
6
max.
42
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
External Self-Concept (ES)
Average
19.6
Normal range
14 — 25.2
min.
6
max.
42
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Instrumental Motivation (IM)
Average
16
Normal range
11.2 — 20.9
min.
6
max.
42
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Internal Processes (IP)
Average
32.4
Normal range
26.4 — 38.5
min.
6
max.
42
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this assessment measure?
It identifies which motivational sources most influence work behavior in an organizational setting. Results summarize the relative strength of five motivation areas.
How long does it take to complete, and how many items are included?
Completion typically takes about 6 minutes. The questionnaire includes 30 items.
How should responses be selected?
Select the option that best reflects typical behavior or preferences at work. Use the first choice that seems accurate rather than overanalyzing.
Is there a correct or incorrect score?
No, scores describe patterns of motivation rather than performance or ability. Higher scores indicate stronger emphasis on a given motivational source.
How are results commonly used in the workplace?
Results can support onboarding, coaching, development planning, and role alignment. They help target incentives and working conditions that are more likely to sustain motivation.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
About This Assessment
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Motivational Sources Inventory (MSI) Test - Symptoms and Signs
This measure is designed to clarify patterns of work-related motivation in organizational settings. The Motivational Sources Inventory (MSI) provides a brief, structured self-report format for identifying motivational drivers that may influence engagement and performance.
The questionnaire contains 30 items and typically takes about 6 minutes to complete. Results are intended to support applied decision-making (e.g., onboarding, coaching, and development planning) by organizing responses into interpretable motivational themes. Findings from the Motivational Sources Inventory (MSI) should be considered in conjunction with other relevant information (e.g., role demands, context, and supervisor observations) rather than used as a stand-alone basis for high-stakes decisions.
Author: edward-l-deci, richard-m-ryan
Literature: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum Press. 1985.; Barbuto, J. E., & Scholl, R. W. Motivation sources inventory: Development and validation of new scales to measure an integrative taxonomy of motivation. Psychological Reports. 1998.
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