Individual power in human motivation: Review and theoretical perspective

Abstract

There are many studies in Psychology and other sciences about the concept of power. We believe that individual power is one of the most critical factors in human motivation, which is considered by prominent motivation theories, like Choice Theory or McClelland's Human Motivation Theory. This paper aims to study the concept of power, considering ego and social orientation. The extensive literature review allowed us to describe the concepts related to those orientations and to induce a theoretical model that may typify and explain the relationships between the two perspectives of power. The model might contribute to describing four motivational profiles, namely the imperator, with high ego-power and power over others orientation; the supporter, with low ego-power and power with other orientation; the leader, with high ego-power and power with others orientation; and the controller, with low ego-power and power over others orientation. The Ego-Social Power Motivation Model could help describe the power signature of an individual. This individual picture might help psychologists work on motivations, attitudes, and behaviours to enhance people's lives and well-being.