This study fits McClelland’s human-motivational-needs theory. The goal was to
determine which factors influenced the academic achievement and success of AA male
principals in a Midsouth state. The research question helped determine what motivated AA
males to become successful. Through interviewing the participants of the study, I will might
able to determine from transcribed data if they were motivated to become successful by one of
McClelland’s needs: achievement, power, or affiliation. The principal takes on the role of a
manager over teachers because it is his role to manage the organization to help students become
successful (ELCC, 2011). When discussing motivation and a need to achieve, McClelland and
Burnham (2003) stated that psychologists believe some people’s need to achieve made them
behave in such a way that they do not always display effective management