David Mcclelland Achievement And Acquired Needs Theory

McClelland achievement and acquired needs theory. 'The Achieving Society ' (1961), David McClelland reflects on his acquired-needs theory. He proposed that an individual 's specific needs are acquired over time and are shaped by one 's life experiences. He described three types of motivational needs. A person 's motivation and effectiveness in certain job functions are influenced by these three needs.[1] The need-success person is 'achievement motivated ' and therefore seeks achievement, attainment of realistic but challenging goals, and advancement in the job. According to definitions, achievement motivation is a subjective, internal, and psychological drive, enabling individuals to pursue work they perceive to be valuable and eventually achieve their goals. There is a strong need for feedback as to achievement and progress, and a need for a sense of

[6] "The big three" implicit motives - success, power, and affiliation - have been the subjects of highly successful research programs for over four decades, and considerable evidence for construct validity of each of these three personality dimensions has accumulated.[7] For example, high TAT success motivation is correlated with high aspirations but moderate risk taking, selfcontrol, delay of gratification, upward social mobility, higher education attainment, entrepreneurial innovation, and success in business. High power motivation is correlated with holding elected offices, being forceful and influential in small groups, effective organizational leadership, taking large risks to gain visibility, and getting into arguments. Inhibited power motivation may be a risk factor for illness. Infilation motivation has been associated with time spent thinking about relationships, number of friendly conversations in daily life, and a wide range of other behaviors indicative of warm and caring interaction with others. Research also suggests that high TAT infilation motivation predicts various indices of mental health