NARRATOR: Understanding McClelland's need-based model. David McClelland based his theory of motivation on the idea that each of us has three fundamental needs, the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, the need for power-- authority. McClelland said that each of us has three needs in a different balance. Those needs affect how we can be motivated as well as how we try to achieve, because they are not as common as one might think. Here is a brief explanation of each type of need.

N-ach, need for achievement. Seek achievement. Strive to attain goal. Want advancement. Need feedback. Need a sense of accomplishment.

N-affil, need for affiliation. Need for interaction with others. Need for friendship. Want and need to be liked.

N-pow, need for power. Authority motivated. Need to influence others. Need to make an impact. Need to lead. Need to increase personal prestige or status.

McClelland conducted a famous experiment where he asked people to throw rings over a peg like in a fairway game. There were no instructions given as to where the people had to stand, so people threw the rings from different distances. Yet he noticed that the people who had tested as having a high level of the need to achieve chose their positions carefully-- they picked positions that were neither too close nor too far. They chose a distance that was realistic but not too easy. In other words, they seemed to be challenging themselves while still making achievement of the goal a real possibility.

What McClelland realized about those with a high level to achieve is that they set goals at a level where they feel they can influence the outcome and yet, where there is still the need to stretch in order to achieve the goal. He also found that these people were more likely to look for ways that a situation could be improved. They believe they have influence and the ability to make a difference.

So, what if you are not a naturally achievement-motivated person? If you don't see the achievement of the outcome as reward in itself, you are not alone. Many people are motivated by affiliation or power instead. But McClelland believed that motivation by achievement could be taught and learned.

Key points. McClelland found that people are motivated by the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, the need for power-- authority. Those with the need for achievement are motivated when they feel they can influence the outcome and there is still the need to stretch in order to achieve more goals. However, if you don't see the achievement of the outcome as reward in itself, you are not alone. Many other people are motivated by affiliation or the pursuit of power instead.

For further support, at Talent and Skills Hub, you can be supported by our instructors, counselors, and mentors on employability skills and other personal and professional development. You can book an appointment for one-to-one or group tutoring through our website, ts-hub.com.

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