Intrinsic Motivation and ISP Compliance: A Factor Analytic Study in Remote Work Using Self-Determination Theory
Rijo Joy · 2025
As flexible work arrangements (FWA) become increasingly common, securing remote work environments requires a deeper understanding of the motivational drivers behind Information Security Policy (ISP) compliance. This study applies Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—centered on autonomy, competence, and relatedness—to examine intrinsic motivation among remote employees. Using an SDT-based instrument and survey responses from 114 U.S.-based remote workers, exploratory factor analysis validated a ten-factor model with strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.7). Non-parametric tests revealed significant differences in motivational constructs by age and job level but not by gender or education. These findings support the relevance of SDT in decentralized security contexts and offer organizations a validated tool for designing intrinsic motivation-based security frameworks. These insights inform more targeted, motivation-based security interventions in remote environments.