Need for power

Need for Power (N-Pow) is a term that was popularized by renowned psychologist David McClelland in 1961. McClellend's thinking was influenced by the pioneering work of Henry Murray who first identified underlying psychological human needs and motivational processes (1938). It was Murray who set out a taxonomy of needs, including Achievement, Power and Affiliation - and placed these in the context of an integrated motivational model. In McClelland's book The Achieving Society N-Pow helps explain an individual's imperative to be in charge. According to his work there are two kinds of power, social and personal.

People who exhibit N-Pow tendencies are most satisfied by seeing their environment move in a certain direction, due to their involvements. As an example of the need for personal power, most corporate leaders seek high level positions so as to control the direction in which their company is moving. As an example of social power, most people might agree that Nelson Mandela not only has socio-political Power, but uses this influence to bring to light social issues in order to further his desire for peace and equality on earth.

Sex differences affect the way power motive is expressed. While men with more N-Pow show high levels of aggression, drink heavily, act in sexually exploitative manner, and participate in competitive sports, women channel their N-Pow in a more socially acceptable and responsible manner, being more concerned and caring.

Desire to influence, hold or ruling over others in order to be recognized as powerful individual.

• These types of people prefer to work in big organisations, businesses and other influential professions.
• There also exists gender differences among males and females; men are more apt to take challenges and respond quite aggressively irrespective of women who are socially restrained and traditional in her behavior.

See also

• Need theory
• Need for achievement
• Need for affiliation