David Clarence McClelland was an American personality psychologist, social psychologist, and an advocate of quantitative history. His theory is considered as one of the pioneering efforts in entrepreneurship research

David McClelland’s did his pioneering work in identifying the factors that influence the economic growth. His theory on achievement motivation is regarded as the most important psychological theories of entrepreneurship. He wanted to identify the internal factors in the form of human values, motives etc., that lead man to exploit opportunities and take advantage of favourable trade conditions. He along with his research associates, isolated several inner concerns or motives that are found responsible to induce men to act towards economic growth. He called the chief among these motives as ‘need for achievement’. He identified need for achievement as a desire to do well, not so much for the sake of social recognition or prestige, but for the sake of an inner feeling of personal accomplishment.

According to McClelland, individuals whose need for achievement (nAch or n factor) is high will have the drive to excel and win. They will take personal responsibility for solving problems and will be ‘high achievers’. In view of the inner urge for personal accomplishment, they will always try to perform better than others and will attempt to do things more efficiently than has been done before. McClelland observes that if the inner spirit of ‘need for achievement’ is found in abundance among the people of the society, that society will produce energetic and enthusiastic entrepreneurs who will induce rapid development in the economy. One with a high level of n-factor will assume greater responsibility, take risks, put forth hard work, give shape to innovative ideas and in the process will bring prosperity to the economy.

Reference:

Mohan S and Elangovan R, (2006). Current Trends in Entrepreneurship, New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications Pvt .Ltd.

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