Nearly 60% of employees are primarily motivated by the desire for power. “Managers need to take note of this.”
Nearly 60% of people are primarily motivated by a desire for influence and autonomy in their professional lives. In contrast, other drivers, such as achievement or a sense of community, are less prominent. These insights come from an exclusive scientific analysis conducted by the PAWLIK Group under the direction of psychology professor David Scheffer.
As part of PAWLIK’s personnel diagnostics, David Scheffer, Head of Science at the PAWLIK Group, analyzed anonymized from the “scan procedure,” encompassing 7,031 managers and employees between 2014 and 2021. The key finding: the power motive drives 57% of participants, while the achievement motive influences 28%, and the connection motive accounts for just 12%.
According to Joachim Pawlik, CEO of the PAWLIK Group, understanding inner motivations is crucial for building successful careers and implementing effective, tailored leadership strategies. “Managers need to become more aware of their own power motive,” he explains.
The hidden power motive
Research by psychology professor David Scheffer reveals that only about half of people truly understand what motivates them. This disconnect often leads to misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and inefficiencies in the workplace. “When companies uncover the unconscious motives of their employees and managers respond to them strategically, individuals thrive in their roles, and teams collaborate more effectively,” says Scheffer. The dominance of the power motive presents a unique challenge because most people are hesitant to openly acknowledge their desire for power and influence.
Power-motivated individuals are driven by the need to make their own decisions, lead projects, and influence others. However, their behavior can sometimes intimidate achievement-driven individuals, who prefer tackling complex tasks, or connection-oriented individuals, who prioritize collaboration and harmony. In rigid, hierarchical work environments, power-motivated individuals often feel stifled. Without the freedom to make decisions or the opportunity to rise to leadership positions, they struggle to reach their full potential. Providing these individuals with the autonomy they need can unlock their strengths.
And even then there are often problems, as Joachim Pawlik has seen repeatedly in his 25 years as a consultant to executives. He has often observed how power changes the behavior of those who attain it.“The desire for power is so socially stigmatized that many people suppress it until they reach the top of the career ladder,” he explains. Once there, they may wield power unchecked, often alienating those around them without even realizing it. “Many have failed because of their relationship with power,” says Pawlik.
Power isn’t just a male domain
The study also debunks the stereotype that men are more power-driven than women. When it comes to unconscious power motives, the differences between genders are minimal. “With few exceptions, our analysis shows that women are just as determined as men when it comes to asserting their own ideas,” explains Scheffer .
About PAWLIK Group
The PAWLIK Group is a European leader in the sustainable implementation of strategies, putting people at the heart of every initiative. The Group specializes in talent and organizational development, HR consulting, and digital transformation consulting. Founded in 1996 by Joachim Pawlik in Hamburg, the PAWLIK Group now operates with over 300 experienced consultants and employees across 15 international locations, offering global support for clients’ most pressing challenges. Committed to driving digital transformation, the PAWLIK Group continually expands its services through strategic ventures and investments in innovative service providers. Its consulting approach is integrative, systemic, and focused on delivering actionable results.
PAWLIK Personnel diagnostics
PAWLIK Personnel Diagnostics specializes in assessment methods developed by scan.up AG, a member of the PAWLIK Group. With over 20 years of experience in personnel and aptitude diagnostics, the company supports clients in selecting the right candidates and fostering the development of personal and professional skills. Central to its services is the proprietary potential analysis from scan.up AG, which evaluates up to 120 personality factors for each individual. This scientifically grounded process is based on the research of Prof. Julius Kuhl, one of the world’s leading experts in personality psychology.
