Differences in implicit needs between entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders/managers.

Abstract

The objective of this study aims to examine how the implicit motives of need for achievement and need for power differ among University students who seek entrepreneurial, professional and leadership/managerial careers. Findings revealed that need for achievement was of no significant difference among the three groups and additionally, this implicit achievement motive was oriented by a hope of success rather than a fear of failure. As for the need for power, it was found to be significantly lower in those seeking professional career, and even though no difference exist between the entrepreneurial and leadership/managerial career groups, further analysis disclosed that personalized power motive is characteristic of the nascent entrepreneurs whereas socialized power motive is characteristic of the nascent leaders/managers.