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McClelland_Need_for_Achievement_Assignment (1)

This document reviews McClelland’s Theory of Need for Achievement (nAch) and its relevance to entrepreneurial motivation, particularly highlighting Oprah Winfrey as a real-life example of the theory in action. It explains that individuals with high nAch are driven by personal growth and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, which is evident in Winfrey's successful career. The paper concludes that understanding this theory provides valuable insights into the psychological factors contributing to entrepreneurial success.

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Patricia Kamwachale
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14 views

McClelland_Need_for_Achievement_Assignment (1)

This document reviews McClelland’s Theory of Need for Achievement (nAch) and its relevance to entrepreneurial motivation, particularly highlighting Oprah Winfrey as a real-life example of the theory in action. It explains that individuals with high nAch are driven by personal growth and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, which is evident in Winfrey's successful career. The paper concludes that understanding this theory provides valuable insights into the psychological factors contributing to entrepreneurial success.

Uploaded by

Patricia Kamwachale
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Review of McClelland’s Theory of Need for Achievement (nAch)

Assignment
Name: [Your Name]

Course Name: [Course Name]

Lecturer’s Name: [Lecturer’s Name]

Date of Submission: 10th March 2025


Introduction
Entrepreneurs often display unique motivational factors that drive their pursuit of success.
One of the most influential theories explaining entrepreneurial motivation is McClelland’s
Theory of Need for Achievement (nAch). This paper explores how the theory helps explain
entrepreneurial success and examines a real-life example of Oprah Winfrey, whose
accomplishments exemplify McClelland’s concepts.

McClelland’s Theory of Need for Achievement (nAch)


David McClelland’s Theory of Need for Achievement, developed in the 1960s, posits that
individuals with a high need for achievement (nAch) are more likely to become successful
entrepreneurs. These individuals set challenging goals, take calculated risks, and prefer
feedback on their performance (McClelland, 1961). According to McClelland, entrepreneurs
with high achievement motivation are driven not by monetary rewards alone but by
personal growth and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.

Real-Life Example: Oprah Winfrey


Oprah Winfrey is a prime example of McClelland’s theory in practice. Coming from a
challenging background, Winfrey displayed an exceptional drive for achievement
throughout her career. She built a media empire through her television show, ‘The Oprah
Winfrey Show,’ and later expanded into publishing, acting, and philanthropy. Her
entrepreneurial journey reflects the hallmarks of McClelland’s theory—setting ambitious
goals, taking calculated risks in media ventures, and continuously striving for personal and
professional growth. Her achievements demonstrate how the need for success and
recognition can fuel entrepreneurial innovation and resilience.

Conclusion
McClelland’s Theory of Need for Achievement offers valuable insights into the motivations
behind entrepreneurial success. Oprah Winfrey’s career exemplifies how a strong internal
drive for achievement can lead to remarkable accomplishments, even in the face of
adversity. This theory remains relevant in understanding the psychological factors that
contribute to entrepreneurial success.

References
McClelland, D. C. (1961). *The Achieving Society*. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand.
Collins, C. J., Hanges, P. J., & Locke, E. A. (2004). The relationship of achievement motivation
to entrepreneurial behavior: A meta-analysis. *Human Performance*, 17(1), 95-117.
Baum, J. R., Locke, E. A., & Smith, K. G. (2001). A multidimensional model of venture growth.
*Academy of Management Journal*, 44(2), 292-303.
Miner, J. B. (2000). Testing a psychological typology of entrepreneurship using business
founders. *Journal of Applied Behavioral Science*, 36(1), 43-69.

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