N-Ach
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N-Ach (Need for Achievement) is a term introduced by David McClelland into the field of psychology, referring to an individual's desire for significant accomplishment, mastering of skills, control, or high standards.
People with high N-Ach typically achieve more during their lives than people with low N-Ach. Those with low N-Ach may choose tasks with very easy difficulty, so they have a decreased chance of failure, or they may choose a difficult task, so a failure would not be embarrassing. Those with high N-Ach will choose moderately difficult tasks, feeling that they are challenging, but within reach. People in this group are characterised by tendency to seek challenges and high degree of independence. Many entrepreneurs may fall in this group. Their most satisfying reward is the recognition of their achievements. Sources of high N-Ach include:
- Parents who encouraged independence in childhood
- Praise and rewards for success
- Association of achievement with positive feelings
- Association of achievement with one's own competence and effort, not luck
- A desire to be effective or challenged