Satisfaction of need for achievement in work and leisure time activities

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between two explanatory variables—level of need for achievement (n-Ach) and degree of achievement opportunity on the job—and type of leisure time activities people choose. Combining the two explanatory variables into an indicator of need deprivation, the authors hypothesize that people whose need for achievement is not satisfied on the job (cases of greater need deprivation) will be more likely to engage in high achievement-oriented leisure time activities than will those whose need for achievement is satisfied on the job (cases of lesser need deprivation). A further hypothesis states that the need deprivation approach will be more useful in predicting type of leisure time activities (high vs low achievement-oriented) than will either n-Ach or achievement opportunity alone. The sample consisted of 100 business people. Level of n-Ach was measured by using part of the Edwards' Personal Preference Schedule, and an eight-item questionnaire developed by the authors was used to measure degree of achievement opportunity on the job. A leisure time activities score was obtained for each subject, and subjects were split at the median into high vs low achievement-oriented leisure time activities groups. A significant relationship between need deprivation indicators and type of leisure time activities supported the hypothesis that people who are unable to satisfy their achievement needs on the job are likely to do so in their leisure time activities. The need deprivation approach was shown to be superior to either explanatory variable alone in predicting type of leisure time activity. Implications of the findings for organizations are presented.