ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the research and theory related to the expression of power motivation. McClelland argues that most social behavior can be understood in terms of an interaction between underlying motives and features of the environment. He suggests that there are three basic motives: achievement, affiliation, and power. Achievement motivation is believed to predict one's approach to doing concrete tasks. Affiliation motivation predicts one's desire to have friends and to be with other people. The power motive has been defined as the inner need or disposition to seek power or a concern for having a strong impact on others. High levels of alcohol consumption have been associated with higher power motivation. Most research on power motivation generally, and therefore, of pPower and sPower, relies on the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). McAdams reports that in his work on motivation, people high in power motivation tend to display 'agentic' behavior in their relationships with close friends.
