Abstract
Considerable research has shown that individuals high in growth need strength react positively to job enrichment efforts. However, little is known about the motives and job characteristics that appeal to the low growth need strength worker. Research on the construct “fear of failure” indicates that it should, theoretically at least, diverge with growth need strength. Further, fear of failure theory predicts that such individuals prefer gradual change and advancement, high structure, and low individual responsibility. The relation between growth need strength and fear of failure was tested. Results generally confirmed the predicted relations, along with an interesting sex difference on the relations of fear of failure and growth need strength. The implications of these findings to job enrichment efforts is discussed.
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