Atkinson states that the scores from one test to the next do not reflect a reliable picture of a person's motivation. All of these specific (and sometimes esoteric) issues raised by Atkinson should become familiar to those HR people searching for talent that will build organizational strength.
Atkinson goes on to explain that there is a lot to be learned when analyzing the "strength of a motive" verses the "behavioral expression" the individual actually shows. In taking the TAT to task, Atkinson points to the fact that, according to TAT's application, every behavioral incident is looked upon as "a discrete and independent incident in the life of an individual" (Atkinson, p. 22). But the TAT presumes - "gratuitously," in Atkinson's view - that differences in personality traits will also manifest themselves in behavior. But using Atkinson's approach ("achievement motivation") helps explain the "variable behavior" that might occur when the individual makes an...
In other words, and in order to make plain and simple what becomes esoteric in Atkinson's narrative, the theory of achievement motivation presumes (Atkinson, 39) that "...the challenge to achieve is always accompanied by the threat of failure." And those who spend time expressing concern over what they may be able to achieve "would favor those in whom the achievement motive was clearly dominant" (Atkinson, 42).
Works Cited
Atkinson, John W. "Motivational determinants of thematic apperception" in Motivation and Personality: Handbook of Thematic Content Analysis, Ed. Charles P. Smith, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992), 21-48.
Murphy, Steven a. 'Executive Motivation: From the front lines to the boardroom?' International Journal of Police Science & Management 8 (2005): 3.
Spillane, Robert, & Martin, John. Personality and Performance: Foundations…
