Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a part of the needs identified by Acquired Needs Theory?

1. Need for Achievement

2. Need for Affiliation

3. Need for Recognition

4. Need for Power

The correct answer is: Need for Recognition

The correct answer is the Need for Recognition. Acquired Needs Theory, developed by David McClelland, identifies three primary needs that motivate individuals in the workplace: the Need for Achievement, the Need for Affiliation, and the Need for Power. The Need for Achievement refers to the desire to accomplish challenging tasks and attain high standards. Individuals motivated by this need strive for success and often seek feedback on their performance to improve. The Need for Affiliation highlights the importance of social relationships and the desire to belong to a group. People with a strong need for affiliation seek approval and positive interactions with others, valuing teamwork and collaboration. The Need for Power focuses on the desire to influence and control others, to be in a position of authority, and to make an impact within an organization. Those who are motivated by power often strive for leadership roles and seek to influence outcomes and decisions. In contrast, the Need for Recognition, although important in motivating individuals, is not one of the three primary needs outlined in Acquired Needs Theory. This distinction highlights how the theory specifically categorizes motivational drivers related to achievement, social connections, and influence rather than more general desires like recognition.