Main thoughts in McClelland's theory of acquired needs gave impetus to the emergence of a large number of theories on this topic. It is fair to say that Maslow's work is directly related to the work of McClelland. In the model developed by the latter, the needs of people are raised, which manifest themselves at the highest levels of activity.
Power in the theory of acquired needs by D. McClelland
A person often seeks to gain power over others, and this indicates his desire to influence them. In this regard, the theories of McClelland and Maslow are in contact. Only the latter indicates that the need to dominate lies between respect and self-expression.
According to McClelland's findings in needs theory, people who seek power tend to be very energetic individuals with a desire to open up. They are constantly fighting for their views, solike to defend their own point of view. And often they do it in public, and for this reason, most of them are excellent speakers who love attention to their person.
There were cases when a person striving for power did not resemble the model described above. He may also be a person who does not have serious ambitions and does not want career growth in the future.
It all depends on desire, not on a set of certain qualities.
Success
The need to succeed is on the same level as Maslow's theory of power.
In a nutshell, McClelland's acquired needs theory suggests that a person can only be comforted and appeased when they achieve their goal. Moreover, it is important that what you receive does not carry negativity, but is a successful completion of the "mission". People belonging to such a group, as a rule, are reckless to a moderate degree, they show themselves well in problem situations, placing the brunt of their solution on themselves. This is done not without a share of self-interest, because for their accomplishments they want to receive a commensurate reward.
That is, a manager can easily force a subordinate to work better if the latter has a need for success. It is enough to make it clear that this is a problem of medium complexity, to provide opportunities for solving such a problem, and also to indicate that it is likely that rewards will be given for a successful result. The main thing is that a person has moderate needs, otherwise hewill not care about all the goals set by another person. He will take into account only his tasks, based on the overall assessment of the possibilities.
According to McClelland's theory of acquired needs, the desire for achievement manifests itself only when a person strives to do everything in his power in an even more effective way, respectively, and get a more successful result.
Complicity
The need for complicity is inherent in people who try to maintain friendly relations in any company, to provide assistance to every person who needs it. Such a group of individuals is attracted by any work related to social communication. And management should not prohibit communication and various interpersonal contacts with such subordinates, otherwise they will lose interest in activities.
If people with a desire to participate periodically unite together, give them the opportunity to communicate, then the effectiveness of their actions will increase before our eyes. The boss himself may even participate in such meetings to make sure they are necessary.
McClelland's theory of acquired needs concerns the topic of social motivation, which was also raised by A. Maslow. This also expresses the similarity of these hierarchies.
Three levels
Explaining his thoughts more briefly, in the theory of acquired needs, D. McClelland identified three main categories among managers:
- Managers who stand outthrough self-control. They have a need for power rather than group complicity.
- Managers who seem to be more socially active than the previous type when in charge. But at the same time, they also desire power.
- Managers who reveal themselves in need of socialization. They love live communication, and give a secondary role to the achievement of power. They are also very open to people, like the above group.
Features of McClelland's theory
McClelland's work helped him attract the attention of Western society, which looked at the scientist from a different angle. This is due to the fact that the main problem that was raised in the theory is the disclosure of the motivation of the abilities of various entrepreneurs in society.
It was assumed that just such a society, where they would know what approach is necessary for each representative of a particular group, is able to develop in the future. People will become more responsible, active, and most importantly - interested. As a result of such a factor, society will be able to achieve tremendous economic progress. Understanding the differences between types contributes to understanding within the enterprise, so it promises success in the future.
Prescribed actions for economic growth in states
To achieve the main goal of states, that is, economic growth, according to McClelland, certain rules must be taken into account. This requirement applies to all operating enterprises and companies in the country.
- Importantabandon the usual ways that are aimed at developing interest in subordinates. It is necessary to work on conditions that will provide employees with an understanding of the need to perform as well as possible. That is, people should develop a strong motivation for action, which will force them to look for the most profitable and effective ways to solve the problem.
- Take into account that the team is filled with representatives of different groups. For this reason, an individual approach to each is necessary so that everyone subsequently works with the same goal. It is important to distribute people in the areas they need, where they can reveal their potential. For example, a person with a greater need for participation is better directed to the social sphere, where he can constantly contact people. This may be a call center where the employee will inform the public. An individual with a desire to move up the career ladder in order to achieve power can be placed in charge of a certain group of people, whose activities he will coordinate.
