What Is McClelland’s Motivation Theory & Its Different Names?

McClelland’s theory of motivation / Three Needs Theory / Acquired Need Theory / Human Motivation Theory 

David McClelland built on this work in his 1961 book, “The Achieving Society.”

Need base theory of motivation.

Content theory of motivation.

He has developed his model on this basis of  Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

He identified three motivators that he believed we all have regardless of our gender, culture, or age.

1. Need for achievement (n-Ach) or Achievement motivation –

The person will be having these characteristics in him/her, if he/she has high Achievement motivation

• • Has a strong need to set and accomplish challenging goals.
  • Takes calculated risks to accomplish their goals.
  • Likes to receive regular feedback on their progress and achievements.
  • Often likes to work alone.

• 2. Need for affiliation (n-Aff) 

The person will be having these characteristics in him/her if he/she has high Affiliation motivation.

• • Wants to belong to the group.
  • Wants to be liked, and will often go along with whatever the rest of the group wants to do.
  • Favors collaboration over competition.
  • Doesn’t like high risk or uncertainty.

    3. Need for power (n-Pow).

The person will be having these characteristics in him/her if he/she has high power motivation.

• • Wants to control and influence others.
  • Likes to win arguments.
  • Enjoys competition and winning.
  • Enjoys status and recognition.