ABSTRACT
Status by Achievement and Economic Development An achievement orientation, with status based on performing-well criteria, is often seen as part of “modernization” and thus as key to economic and business success. Th e idea is that, once you start rewarding business achievement, the process is self-perpetuating. People work hard to gain social esteem, resulting in a so-called achieving society, and a performance culture forms. Th is orientation is strongly based on Protestantism, which embraces the pursuit
of spiritual justifi cation through hard work, which long ago gave achievers a religious sanction. Capitalism is its driving force.
