McClelland’s Achievement Motivation Theory

McClelland’s Achievement Motivation Theory

One more need-based theory of motivation is the one by McClelland. His Achievement Motivation Theory was formulated by Henry Murray’s list of motives (“McClelland’s Need for Achievement Theory,” 2016). McClelland defines three primary needs. These are achievement, power, and affiliations (“McClelland’s Need for Achievement Theory,” 2016). People who need achievements are motivated by challenging tasks, set goals, and performance feedback. The employees with the need for power want to have some influence on the others or provide control. People with the need for affiliation desire approval and acceptance and take care of the feelings and values of ten other people. When it comes to nursing, Achievement Motivation Theory can be used with a personal approach. The tasks and functions can be distributed among the nursing staff, taking into account the type of needs and thus increase motivation.

Conclusions

Since motivation determines high performance and job satisfaction, it should be a primary concern of managers and administrators. The knowledge of nursing theories can be useful for employees. They can apply them to provide motivational factors for nurses thus creating a more favorable working environment.

References

Kaur, A. (2013). Maslow’s need hierarchy theory: Applications and criticism. Global Journal of Management and Business Studies, 3(10), 1061-1064.