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Theories Articles
1. Achievement
2. Affiliation
3. Power
According to this classification of needs, the acquired needs theory comes into picture. This theory is also called, The Three Need Theory or The Learned Need Theory.
The main clause of this theory is that we humans have different preferences. As already stated we have different needs. These different needs lead to different preferences. All the needs do not affect everybody the same. For example a common need like money. A certain amount of money does not affect everybody the same. 10 $ may mean nothing to a rich guy while it’s a matter of survival for a beggar.
We will most probably have one of these needs that affect us more than the rest of the needs. Also this need affects our behavior. This is how needs are related with motivation too. They motivate us to act in a particular way. According to the acquired needs theory, needs are classified as:
1. Achievers want to excel and would prefer timely recognition of their efforts. As they are achievers they will not take risks, avoid them and will perform such that their efforts have some gain for themselves. Also, they will not do anything in which there is a possibility of any failure.
2. Affiliation seekers want peaceful relationships with their surrounding people. They refrain from activities which will attract attraction to themselves. Their need is just sufficient approval rather than receiving justified recognition for their work.
3. The third category is power seekers. Their need is power. They may require power to exercise control over others in their surrounding. Again this power is for acquiring their own personal needs or to achieve their objectives in life. This theory states a clear distinction on the basis of what they expect (need). Power seekers, do not expect recognition or approval. They consider themselves superior for such things. They demand direct compliance and expect that other should agree to their decisions.
Now, as an individual we have to identify our preferences and needs. This way we can motivate ourselves and develop a proper thinking pattern. Usually this identification is done with a Thematic Apperception Test. This test consists of identifying how our brain reacts to certain situations. Colors have a definite impact on our thinking. This test consists of a pack of black and white colored cards which depict an emotionally overpowering situation. The subject is to choose a card and build a story on that situation. The type of story depending on the situation depicts our brain thinking pattern.
After classifying, this theory also gives us how we can act on these classifications for greater motivation of ourselves and people around us. For example, for those who fall in the achievers category should set themselves even harder goals and stretch their limits. To develop a sense of security for affiliation seekers and also approve with their performance. To handle power seekers properly and make sure they do not get the better of you and are satisfied at the same time.
This theory has become of a great importance lately and is widely studied with human resource management being so crucial now-a-days.
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