Power Does Not Need To Corrupt: New Study Reveals That Power-Hunger Is Not Always Negative
Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) September 30, 2017 -- Some managers will think twice about hiring a job candidate who is motivated by power. Will they quit if they don’t get promoted in the first year? Do they have the skills to lead effectively or will they abuse their power? What companies may not realize - or will realize too late - is that while many managers have the expertise to take charge, some lack the personality to lead. However, recent research from PsychTests reveals that for many employees who are driven by power, it is not their sole or most important motivator - they are also driven by a number of “noble” factors.
Analyzing 738 people who took their Career Motivation Test, PsychTests’ researchers split the participants into two groups: Those who are highly motivated to be in a position of power at work and those who are not. What researchers discovered is that power-seekers are driven by many other motivators, including the following:
(Note: Scores range on a scale from 0 to 100; the higher the score, the stronger the motivator).
RESPONSIBILITY
Employees with this motivator do not shy away from challenges. They have no qualms about shouldering a great deal of responsibility at work. They want to take ownership of how a project turns out, whether it’s a success or a failure.
Score for power-seekers: 76
Score for power-avoiders: 25
CONTRIBUTION
Employees with this motivator want to leave a legacy behind, be it a new idea, theory, or invention. These are people who live and breathe their work, and who are determined to accomplish great things.
Score for power-seekers: 74
Score for power-avoiders: 33
CREATIVITY
Individuals motivated by creativity are driven to express their originality through their work. They are energized by projects that push them to think outside the box. They are innovative and open-minded employees who always have a new idea floating around in their head, ready to be manifested.
Score for power-seekers: 82
Score for power-avoiders: 44
ACTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
People with this motivator love a fast-paced work environment – they detest idleness. They are very productive and want to be able to say at the end of the day that they accomplished something.
Score for power-seekers: 70
Score for power-avoiders: 33
INSPIRATION
Employees driven by the desire to inspire others want their work to enlighten people. They want to be the catalyst that pushes humanity to feel and think differently.
Score for power-seekers: 83
Score for power-avoiders: 51
ALTRUISM
Employees who are motivated by an altruistic impetus want a job that allows them to give back to the world in some way. They want to contribute to a worthy cause, be it directly through the work they do, or by means of donating their time or money to charities.
Score for power-seekers: 77
Score for power-avoiders: 48
SOCIALIZING
Individuals driven by social factors desire a job where they can be in contact with people. They are energized by social interaction and enjoy teamwork and sharing ideas with others.
Score for power-seekers: 73
Score for power-avoiders: 43
LEARNING
People with this motivator have an insatiable hunger for knowledge. They desire a job that allows them to learn new skills and expand their intellectual horizons.
Score for power-seekers: 80
Score for power-avoiders: 55
ACHIEVEMENT
Individuals with a strong achievement motivation are driven by the sense of satisfaction that comes with reaching their goals or rising up to meet challenges at work. They want to see solid results for their efforts.
Score for power-seekers: 85
Score for power-avoiders: 58
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Individuals with this motivator work hard to make their customers happy. They are dedicated to providing the best service possible and truly desire to fulfill the needs of their clients.
Score for power-seekers: 85
Score for power-avoiders: 60
“The pursuit for power is not necessarily driven by a sense of superiority or narcissistic tendencies,” explains Dr. Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “Many people want to move up the ranks because they believe that they will have more flexibility and freedom to make a difference, to initiate change, and to do what they are inspired to do. In our study, individuals who are determined to work hard in order to achieve a position of power also want to accomplish many others things. They want to express their creativity, inspire people, and give back to the world. They want to learn and do more. This flies in the face of many of our beliefs about what drives someone to desire power. It’s the motivation behind the desire for power that matters. It’s why some leaders can use their influence effectively without letting power get to their head - people like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Martin Luther King Jr.”
Want to determine what motivates you? Check out https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3153
Professional users of this test can request a free demo for the CAMOP - R2 (Career Motivation Profile - 2nd Revision) or any other assessments from ARCH Profile’s extensive battery: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1
To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr
About PsychTests AIM Inc.
PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see ARCHProfile.com). The company’s research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.
Ilona Jerabek, PsychTests AIM Inc., http://psychtests.com, +1 514-745-3189 Ext: 112, [email protected]
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