D123

Power Seeking

BD09 Motivation & Drive
Derived LayerMML-2

Version v1.2.4

Definition

A desire to control resources and decisions, occupy influential roles, and shape collective direction through authority.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Avoids power positions; prefers autonomy without control over others.

High Pole

Actively pursues levers of influence, authority, and decision-control.

Reference

Accepts power primarily as an instrument for goals, not as an end in itself.

Measure

Primary: Drive — frequency and persistence with which influence-increasing roles and actions are chosen.

Measuring Methods

Career-choice and role-history analysis + matched scenarios: influence-role vs non-influence-role with equal pay/status.

Empirical Anchor

Power seeking / need for power (McClelland, 1975); power motivation; Machiavellian power-orientation.

Notes

Not the same as leadership: leadership aligns people toward goals; power seeking targets control of decisions and resources.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Power Seeking (HES Passport D123, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D123

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D123, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Power Seeking}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D123, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D123}} }