The Motivational Foundations of Political Belief Systems: A Re-Analysis of the Operational Code Construct

Are individuals likely to have political belief systems which allow them to behave in ways consistent with their needs for power, affiliation, and achievement? This question is explored by re-analyzing Holsti's typology of operational code belief systems. An examination of points of consensus and dissensus among the types indicates that Holsti's six-fold typology can be collapsed into four types without much loss of distinction among belief systems. A TAT motivational imagery analysis of these systems reveals that the power motive dominates four of the types; the affiliation motive dominates a fifth type; and the achievement motive is strong in the sixth type. The results support and refine Holsti's contention that his typology identifies belief systems, and they suggest potentially interesting linkages among needs, beliefs and decision-making behavior.