Skip to main content

SYMLOG vs.

McClelland's Social Motives

Personality measures

Summary of SYMLOG and McClelland's Social Motives

A theory of three needs that outline how an individual is motivated to behave. The needs are more closely associated with measurements within the SYMLOG system than many other models, with the need for achievement close to the F dimension; need for affiliation close to the P dimension, and need for power associated with the U dimension. These achievement needs, however, are not bi-polar, as with SYMLOG.

Overview of McClelland's Social Motives

David McClelland identifies three key needs which inform social dynamics between individuals, groups, and additionally at the level of entire nation-state societies:

Need for Achievement (N ach)

Focus on goals, improving performance, task, measurable and tangible results; also associated with self-discipline, schedule-keeping, responsibility, success oriented, lack of group orientation.

Need for Affiliation (N aff)

Focus on human companionship, interpersonal relations, concern for others.

Need for Power (N pow)

Desire to control resources, others, and the environment.

Heuristic Plot in SYMLOG Space of
Social Motives

(Click image to enlarge)

How McClelland's Social Motives Relate to SYMLOG Field Theory

McClelland's study of needs is more closely related to the SYMLOG Individual and Organizational Values space than many other models addressing social interaction, because the latter tend to focus on behaviors. Thus a parallel may be found between the conflicting demands of the three key needs and the conflicts among the various SYMLOG Individual and Organizational Values. For instance, if the need for achievement is given primary attention, the need for affiliation will likely receive less emphasis.

The parallel between the two theories however is limited. Unlike the SYMLOG bipolar dimensions, McClelland's key needs are unidirectional. When these needs are mapped in the SYMLOG space, they account for activity only in the UPF octant. Need for power is akin to the Upward vector in the SYMLOG space, need for affiliation is akin to the Positive vector, and need for achievement to the Forward vector. Values and behavior that comprise the remaining seven octants of the SYMLOG three-dimensional model are not addressed.

Ready to use any of our professional methods for improving performance?