Does n-Achievement Cause Economic Development? A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis of the McClelland Thesis

Summary Ordinary least squares regression estimates were made of two cross-lagged models to assess McClelland's contention that n Ach (need for achievement) is a cause of economic development and not a result of economic development. Results of the analysis suggested partial support for McClelland's contention. However, results indicated that n Ach had a much smaller effect on economic development than originally reported by McClelland. It was concluded that the link between n Ach and economic development has been overstated by McClelland and some of his theoretical opponents.