Theory of Needs

Definition: the Theory of Needs is a leadership and motivation theory by David McClelland ('61) based on the idea that the motivation of an individual can result from three dominant needs:
- The Need for Achievement (perform difficult and challenging tasks)
- The Need for Power (be in charge)
- The Need for Affiliation (have good interpersonal relations with others)
All 3 needs are present in each person. One is often dominant. There is no special order among the needs (contrary to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs).

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More on behavior and motivation: Attribution Theory, Employee Commitment, Employee Involvement, Employee Motivation, ERG Theory, more...

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