Which statement describes the achievement motive?

• A. The need to form close friendships at work.
• B. The desire to influence others and control group activities.
• C. The desire to accomplish difficult goals and do well, and to value relationships that help them succeed.
• D. The need to avoid failure by staying in safe tasks.

Answer: (C)

Achievement motivation is the drive to pursue and accomplish challenging goals, to perform well, and to value feedback and supportive relationships that help you succeed. The statement that describes this best emphasizes both the desire to tackle difficult goals and the importance of connections that aid achievement. This mix—not just aiming high but also recognizing how collaboration and supportive ties contribute to success—defines achievement motivation. Other motives focus on different needs: forming close friendships points to affiliation, wanting to influence and control others reflects a power motive, and avoiding failure by staying in safe tasks signals risk aversion rather than a drive to excel. In practical terms, someone with a strong achievement motive tends to set ambitious goals, persist through obstacles, and seek mentors or teammates who can help push performance higher.