McClelland's Need Theory

McClelland's Need Theory suggests that people are motivated by three primary needs: achievement (desire to succeed and excel), affiliation (desire for friendly relationships and social connection), and power (desire to influence or control others). Each person has a different mix of these needs, shaping their behavior and motivation. For example, someone with a strong need for achievement seeks challenging tasks, while someone driven by affiliation values teamwork. Understanding these needs helps organizations tailor motivation strategies to support individual and team performance effectively.