Definition

Achievement relates to competence and the state or characteristic of effectiveness, capacity, adequacy, or accomplishment. Motivation is the energizing and directing of actions.

Achievement motivation can be described as the energization and orientation of competence-relevant behavior or the explanation for why and how individuals strive for competence and avoid incompetence. Achievement motivation is another term in social psychology for when people are driven, inspired, or energized by their successes or accomplishments.

Explanation

Achievement motivation researchers are tasked with explaining and predicting any action using the idea of competence.

The current scientific study of achievement started in 1938 with the publication of Henry Murray’s groundbreaking study of fundamental human needs, Explorations in Personality. The Thematic Apperception Test, popularly known as the TAT, was also developed by Murray. It is the most widely used measure of achievement motivation. The major purpose of these measurements is to determine how people vary in their level of achievement interest and, by extension, their achievement motivation.

Achievement motivation is a notion developed by psychologist D.C. McClelland that aims to quantify individual and cultural variations in the pursuit of achievement. The notion is predicated on the premise that the urge for achievement is encouraged by a nurturing parental bond, especially with the mother, who establishes high behavioral expectations.

Achievement motivation is a fundamental factor of individual entrepreneurial endeavors and varying degrees of economic growth, particularly between developed and underdeveloped civilizations. Numerous sociologists contest this last premise, arguing that McClelland fails to account for significant changes in culture’s social and economic systems separate from achievement incentives.

Example

An example is a salesperson who aspires to become a marketing executive at a sales organization. This individual is prone to make monthly objectives that are simple and attainable. These objectives would demonstrate actionable strategies to enhance one’s craft. This motivation necessitates that you strive to work towards the objective.