Need for Power

People may display their need for power by making sure their names are visible on their doors, writing letters that will be published, with their names identified, or doing other things that stand out and lead to other people knowing who they are.

These prestige possessions might be particular types of clothing, or music, or any other objects that will impress others.

When asked to remember members of a group at a later point, those high in power motivation are more often remembered than are those low in power motivation.

Those high in need for power may also express this by taking a guiding role within their close relationships.

They like to give advice to their friends and to propose and plan joint activities.

These types of behaviours result in the high-need-for-power individual being more dominant in the relationship.

When two people who are both high in power motivation do form a relationship, they may alternate in taking the dominant role within the relationship.

People who are successful managers within large corporations have been found to be high in need for power.

Those working in government positions, where one is providing some type of service, or enforcing regulations, have also been found to be high in power motivation.

Being a journalist is another power-related occupation, possibly because of the link with gaining reputation.

The set of occupations known as the helping professions are associated with high power motivation. 

More aggressive forms of power expression are more common in younger adults, whereas parenting and helping others may be seen more in older adults.

Social role expectations affect power motivation expression as well. In general, men are more able to express power through aggression and leadership in large organisations.

Women often express power in close relationships or the family.