Need Achievement Theory and Millennials
Presenter Hometown
Lexington, Kentucky
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Jon McChesney
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Rowe, Mary K., "Need Achievement Theory and Millennials" (2017). University Presentation Showcase Event. 13.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2017/graduate/13
Abstract
Millennials (born in the late 1980’s to the early 2000’s) have grown up in a world of strict rules and intense structure, and thus value being able to work on their own terms. According to Digitalist, a survey of Millennial young adults found that 67% plan on starting their own business as opposed to participating in further structured, tense environments that can sometimes make up corporate America. They want to work on their own terms to achieve their own desires at their own pace. They’ve experienced the repercussions of a failing economy, and fear of that being their future has driven them to extract themselves from the working world that could again experience huge losses and layoffs. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between Need Achievement Theory and Millennials. According to McClelland’s Need Achievement Theory, motivation is a function of achievement, power, and affiliation. While baby-boomers are frequently driven by achievement needs, what motivates the millennials, a larger generation by over 8 million people? An understanding of this cohort and what influences their motivation will aid recreation and park managers in shaping work environments that are enriching.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
020
Need Achievement Theory and Millennials
Millennials (born in the late 1980’s to the early 2000’s) have grown up in a world of strict rules and intense structure, and thus value being able to work on their own terms. According to Digitalist, a survey of Millennial young adults found that 67% plan on starting their own business as opposed to participating in further structured, tense environments that can sometimes make up corporate America. They want to work on their own terms to achieve their own desires at their own pace. They’ve experienced the repercussions of a failing economy, and fear of that being their future has driven them to extract themselves from the working world that could again experience huge losses and layoffs. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between Need Achievement Theory and Millennials. According to McClelland’s Need Achievement Theory, motivation is a function of achievement, power, and affiliation. While baby-boomers are frequently driven by achievement needs, what motivates the millennials, a larger generation by over 8 million people? An understanding of this cohort and what influences their motivation will aid recreation and park managers in shaping work environments that are enriching.
