Achievement Motivation

Synonyms

Need for achievement

Definition

Achievement motivation is the need for excellence and significant accomplishment, despite what rewards may be offered after the achievement has been met.

Description

Atkinson and his colleagues formed the concept that achievement motivation stems from two separate needs. One is the motivation to achieve and is related to one’s desire to accomplish successful goals and the other is the motive to avoid failure.

Some people may be hesitant to take on the responsibilities of having to accomplish goals or employ in activities because they are afraid to fail. The motive to avoid failure includes worries about the consequences of failing, self-criticism, and diversion of attention, accelerated heart rate or nervousness, which can all lead to poor performance.

In contrasts, those who feel the need to achieve successful goals are more motivated to persist at goals they know they can accomplish. By doing this, individuals are more likely to avoid running...