Motivation Needs and Their Relationship to Life Success

Abstract

This article reports on a study of the relationship between motivation needs (achievement and power) and six measures of life success (status/wealth, contribution to society, professional fulfillment, family relationships, personal fulfillment, and security). Respondents were 756 full-time managerial and nonmanagerial service industry workers (439 women, 317 men) in the Southeast Florida area of the U.S. Results indicate that need for achievement is positively related to success strivings for status/wealth, professional fulfillment, and contribution to society. It is negatively related to personal fulfillment and security. Results also indicate that need for power is positively related to status/wealth and professional fulfillment, but negatively related to family relationships. Multiple regression analysis shows that type of work (managerial vs. nonmanagerial) is a significant predictor of both achievement and power needs. Implications are discussed.