A factor analysis of achievement motivation in film and television executives

Includes bibliographical references (pages 75-79)From a population of 670 top-level West Coast film and television executives (Vice Presidents and above) a sample of 107 responded to a questionnaire designed to measure their achievement motivation. Included was a page on demographics and a section on background influences.\ud Demographic statistics revealed a mean age of 44, with a majority of the respondents indicating an annual income of 100 to 150 thousand dollars. Twenty-five percent were women, and 54 percent were first born. Seventy-seven percent had a BA degree or above. Religious heritage was 47 percent Jewish, 22 percent each for Catholics and traditional Protestants.\ud Data was factor-analyzed in four separate areas: Influences, Values, Machiavellian Tendencies, and Self-Appraisal (through an Adjective Check List). In the Influences area, four factors emerged: (1) institutions, (2) non-family authority figures, (3) sibling (or substitute) approval, and (4) father influence. Two factors marked the Values section: (1) the need to be superior (winning and holding positions of power), and (2) feelings of self-worth (knowing success is imminent and wanting to express creativity). A refutation of cynicism, trust in basic human goodness, and belief in integrity comprised the factors under Machiavellian Tendencies. Two corroborating factors {mature responsibility and forceful control) and two contradictory, though minor, factors (neurotic tendencies and irresponsibility) grew out of the Self-Appraisal Adjective Check List--perhaps reflecting an atypical but notorious stereotype