McClelland vs Maslow Needs Theories Comparison
Understanding the core focus of prominent motivation theories is essential. McClelland’s theory and Maslow’s theory address different aspects of human needs.
McClelland’s Acquired Needs Theory
David McClelland’s theory emphasizes needs that are acquired or learned through life experiences. This theory identifies three primary needs:
- Need for Achievement ($n \text{-} Ach$): The drive to excel and succeed.
- Need for Power ($n \text{-} Pow$): The need to influence or control others.
- Need for Affiliation ($n \text{-} Aff$): The desire for friendly and close interpersonal relationships.
McClelland’s theory, therefore, focuses on three key learned needs.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy of needs, suggesting that individuals are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other, higher-level needs. This hierarchy consists of five distinct levels:
- Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs (air, food, water, shelter).
- Safety Needs: Security and protection from physical and emotional harm.
- Love and Belonging Needs: Affection, intimacy, and belongingness.
- Esteem Needs: Self-respect, achievement, competence, and recognition.
- Self-Actualization Needs: Realizing one's full potential.
Maslow’s theory, consequently, focuses on five levels of needs.
Summary of Needs
In summary, McClelland’s theory focuses on three acquired needs, while Maslow’s theory focuses on five hierarchical needs.
Important Questions from Motivation
- Match List I with List Il related to content Theories of Motivation
List I (Exponent) List II (Theory) (a) Abraham Maslow (i) Two-factor Theory (b) Herzberg (ii) Achievement Theory (c) Aldufer (iii) Need Hierarchy Theory (d) Mcclelland (iv) ERG Theory - Mechanistic view of motivation can be characterised as :
(a) S-O-R explanation.
(b) Direction of behaviour is determined by bonds between stimulus and response or habits.
(c) Probability of elicitation of various habits depend upon prior reinforcement contingencies.
(d) Behaviour once elicited persists until the removal of sustaining stimuli. - Which of the following sequence is correct in case of steps in a goal-setting program for students ?
- According to self-determination theory ______ and _____ form the basis for intrinsic motivation.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by choosing from the codes given below :
List – I
(Concept)List – II
(Explanation)a. Fixed Action Pattern i. When two incompatible response tendencies are simultaneously aroused, the organisms may display behaviours that appear to be irrelevant to the situation. b. Displacement Activity ii. Highly stereotyped responses that are assumed to be genetically programmed reactions that occur in the presence of a particular ‘sign’ stimulus. c. Hedonic Bias iii. A state in which a person performs an action because the act itself is satisfying or rewarding internally. d. Intrinsic motivation iv. Tendency to take more credit for success than to take responsibility for failure.
