Question

People who have a strong desire to succeed in attaining goals may be high in the need for:

• A. Attention
• B. Power
• C. Affiliation
• D. Achievement

Hint:

Remember McClelland's three needs as the "3 A's": {A}chievement, {A}ffiliation, and another one (Power). This can help you recall the core concepts during an exam. The need for Achievement is all about mastering tasks and reaching goals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question relates to theories of motivation, specifically David McClelland's theory of needs, which identifies three primary motivators in individuals.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
McClelland's theory proposes three main needs:
Need for Achievement (nAch): This is the drive to excel, to achieve in relation to a set of standards, and to strive for success. People high in nAch seek to accomplish challenging goals and desire feedback on their progress. This perfectly matches the question's description.
Need for Power (nPow): This is the desire to have impact, to be influential, and to control others. The focus is on influence rather than personal goal attainment.
Need for Affiliation (nAff): This is the desire for friendly and close interpersonal relationships. People high in nAff seek social interaction and belonging.
The option "Attention" is not one of McClelland's primary needs. The description "a strong desire to succeed in attaining goals" is the definition of the need for Achievement.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A strong desire to succeed in attaining goals is characteristic of a high need for Achievement.