According to David McClelland's Needs Theory, which need is considered most important for a manager?

Study for the DSST Principles of Supervision Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

In David McClelland's Needs Theory, the focus is on three primary needs that motivate individuals: the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, and the need for power. Each need can play a significant role in the behavior and effectiveness of managers.

For a manager, the need for power is often considered the most critical. Managers must exert influence over their teams, guiding and motivating members towards achieving organizational goals. This need allows them to establish authority, make key decisions, and effectively navigate organizational politics. A strong need for power can drive managers to seek leadership roles and assert the control necessary to implement strategic initiatives.

While the needs for achievement and affiliation are also important, they serve different purposes. The need for achievement focuses on setting and reaching challenging goals, which is crucial for personal fulfillment and performance. Meanwhile, the need for affiliation emphasizes building relationships and creating a supportive team environment. However, without the need for power, a manager may struggle to lead effectively, as they would lack the drive to assert their vision and inspire their team action.

Thus, acknowledging all three needs and their interplay provides a more comprehensive understanding of what motivates a manager. Recognizing that all these needs can be relevant but that power stands out in managerial roles clarifies the

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